Russia’s envoy to Belgrade stated on Friday that Moscow will not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, speaking to Serbian Insajder TV, stated that Russia’s attitude on Kosovo has not changed, that Russia believes Serbia’s stance on not putting sanctions on Russia would remain unchanged, and that Moscow will not recognize Kosovo.
“The Kosovo issue is a cornerstone of Russia and Serbia’s friendly and fraternal relationship. Russia’s stance on this subject does not appear to be changing anytime soon “he stated
After UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Russia’s attack on Ukraine a “occupation,” Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the International Court of Justice’s “right to self-determination” article.
Putin said the independence of Kosovo is recognized by Western countries and this is the decision of the international court. This set Kosovo as an example for Donbas, eastern Ukraine, he said, where there are two enclaves whose “independence” Russia recognizes.
Putin citing Kosovo as setting a model for Donbas faced a backlash in Serbia, including from newspapers close to the government.
Kosovo is the first country in the region to join EU/US sanctions on Russia, according to the country’s president.
After declaring independence in 2008, the former Serbian province of Kosovo is recognized by more than 100 countries, including the US, UK, France, Germany, and Turkiye.
Belgrade continues to see Kosovo as its own territory.
Serbia, Russia, and China are among the countries which have yet to recognize Kosovo’s independence.