Balkans react to Zelenskyy Kosovo remarks as EU warns against Ibar River rhetoric

Diplomatic repercussions continue across the Western Balkans following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent reaffirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv does not recognize Kosovo's independence.

In Pristina, authorities removed a long-standing Ukrainian solidarity banner from a central hotel facade. Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko publicly criticized Kyiv's official stance as a "diplomatic mistake" and advocated for Kosovo's recognition. Concurrently, Albania's Foreign Ministry rejected attempts to draw parallels between Kosovo and other international conflicts, describing such comparisons as deeply flawed.

Meanwhile, regional tensions escalated around northern Kosovo after Serbian rhetoric suggested possible actions involving the Ibar River. European Union spokesperson Anita Hipper warned Belgrade that statements regarding altering the river's flow undermine normalization efforts, reiterating that dialogue mediated by Brussels remains the only framework for resolving outstanding bilateral disputes.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Faktoje, Gazeta Tema, Kanal 5, Koha