Kosovo FM warns against compromise in Ukraine conflict
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Donika Gërvalla, issued a strong warning about the dangers of compromise in Ukraine’s battle against Russian aggression during a speech at the Democracy Forum in Vilnius, Lithuania. She emphasized that the outcome of the conflict has far-reaching implications for Europe’s stability, including the Western Balkans. The warning comes amidst debate on what a potential Trump administration could mean for Kosovo’s security.
Why is this important: Gërvalla’s remarks come at a time when Kosovo is already feeling rather isolated from both the European Union and the United States due to its inflexible stance in negotiations with Serbia. There are concerns in Kosovo and Albania that Trump administration could establish even closer ties with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. This would exacerbate Kosovo’s diplomatic challenges, as the previous Trump administration had already shown a willingness to engage more favorably with Serbia.
Context: At the forum, Gërvalla emphasized the importance of democratic solidarity in countering autocratic threats. “Belief in democracy, solidarity among democrats, and a clear approach to support and deter aggressors are essential for Europe’s democratic future,” she stated. She warned that extremist and populist movements pose a serious risk to the continent’s democratic foundations and called for a united front against aggression.
The Foreign Minister also connected these concerns to local threats, referencing the September 23, 2023, terrorist attack in Banjska, where a Kosovo police officer was killed. She accused Milan Radoičić, who remains free in Serbia, of using the same rhetoric and schemes as Vladimir Putin. “The same words, the same schemes, the same vocabulary used by Putin in Ukraine,” Gërvalla noted, highlighting the risks of unresolved tensions in the Western Balkans.
Her speech also underscored Kosovo’s vulnerability in the current geopolitical climate. With the possibility of a Trump administration aligning more closely with Serbia, Kosovo’s position could become even more precarious.
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