Poroshenko confirms Ukraine’s non-recognition of Kosovo during visit to Serbia
At a joint briefing with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić , President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, who is on an official visit to Serbia, stated that Ukraine does not recognize Kosovo and hopes that problems in the area can be resolved in favor of the interests of Serbia.
“We honor and respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia. We do not recognize Kosovo, and we proceed from the premise that the Kosovo problem should be resolved by compromises being made, taking into account the interests of Serbia,” Poroshenko said.
He noted that Serbia likewise does not recognize the annexation of the Crimea by the Russian Federation. “We very much respect the absolutely firm position to support the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of our state, including the Crimea, which is Ukrainian,” the President of Ukraine said.
He also expressed the hope that Serbia will support the sending of a peacekeeping mission to the Donbas.
Kosovo unilaterally declared independence in February 2008. The independence of Kosovo has been accepted by more than 110 countries, including the United States and most member nations of the EU. Ukraine does not accept the independence of the region and has no diplomatic relations with it.