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'Kosovo must be respected' - Ukrainian flag stripped from Kosovo building after Zelensky's Serbia visit inflames controversy
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Serbia reaffirmed Ukraine's position of not recognizing Kosovo as an independent state, sparking outrage among Kosovo officials.
- Despite Kosovo's strong support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's adherence to territorial integrity, influenced by its own experience with Russian aggression.
- Kosovo responded by removing a large Ukrainian flag in Pristina, with local leaders condemning Zelensky's stance as disrespectful and disappointing given Kosovo's solidarity with Ukraine.
- The historical context includes the Kosovo War and Serbia's refusal to recognize Kosovo's 2008 independence, with ongoing tensions between the two entities.
- During the visit, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed support for Ukraine's EU membership bid and discussed cooperation, highlighting Serbia's complex relationship with both Ukraine and Russia.
