Pristina removes Ukraine support banner after Zelenskyy refuses to recognize Kosovo
Authorities in Pristina have removed a large "Free Ukraine" banner that had been displayed in the city center for approximately four years. The removal follows statements made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Belgrade, where he reaffirmed that Ukraine maintains its position of not recognizing Kosovo's independence, citing respect for the territorial integrity of its partners.
The decision sparked significant backlash in Kosovo. Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama stated that the capital would react when Kosovo is not respected, noting that while solidarity with those facing war remains, the statehood of Kosovo must not be undermined. Kosovo Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca expressed regret over the remarks, emphasizing that Kosovo has consistently supported Ukraine despite the lack of diplomatic recognition.
Reactions from Kosovo officials have been sharply critical. Former President Bedžet Pacoli described Zelenskyy's position as "deeply disappointing," and the KLA War Veterans Organization labeled the comments "anti-Kosovo." Additionally, the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected any attempt to draw parallels between the status of Kosovo and the international situation in Ukraine.
Entities
Albania · Bedžet Pacoli · Glauk Konjufca · Kosovo · Pristina · Përparim Rama · Ukraine · Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 16 SOURCES] A large 'Free Ukraine' banner in central Pristina was removed after standing for approximately four years. www.lne.es · racin.mk · www.nedeljnik.rs · www.oslobodjenje.ba · gondola.hu · +11 more
- [● 21 SOURCES] President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine does not recognize Kosovo's independence. www.lne.es · racin.mk · www.nedeljnik.rs · www.oslobodjenje.ba · gondola.hu · +16 more
- [● 21 SOURCES] Përparim Rama stated that Pristina would respond when Kosovo is not respected. www.lne.es · racin.mk · www.nedeljnik.rs · www.oslobodjenje.ba · gondola.hu · +16 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Kosovo Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca expressed regret regarding Zelenskyy's statements in Belgrade. www.lne.es · www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.levante-emv.com · www.eldia.es · www.informacion.es · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected drawing parallels between Kosovo and other international situations. www.kurir.rs · naslovi.net · www.24ur.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Former Kosovo President Bedžet Pacoli described Zelenskyy's statements as deeply disappointing. www.nedeljnik.rs · gondola.hu · www.072info.com · www.aktuelno.me · www.24ur.com · +1 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] The large 'Free Ukraine' banner in central Pristina was removed. www.lne.es · racin.mk · www.nedeljnik.rs · www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.eldia.es · +15 more