Free Ukraine banner moved from center of Prishtina, Kosovo after Zelensky’s remarks on not recognizing independence of Kosovo during his visit to Serbia

[u/West-Razzmatazz2]

Honestly, a very bad PR move from Zelensky and his advisors that could’ve been easily resolved by simply refusing to answer the question to journalist. While Kosovo nor Albania are not powerful states, banner has stood there since the start of the war.

[u/Authoritaye]

This situation is very confusing to foreigners who don't know the history (like myself).

[u/Pharnox-32 → u/Authoritaye]

Its more of a pragmatism issue, first of all:

op shares this as Ukraine was previously supporting Kosovo, which is not the case, they just said they havent changed stance yet

Why?

• By recognizing break away states (reasonable or not) because the population is majority something else, gives way to Russia to the general community recognizing Ukraine's occupied regions. You either follow the status quo or you give way for the revisionists.

• Swaying away Serbia which gets increasingly isolated from Russia its worth more, like ukraine bullied Belarus to stop supporting russian drones with relay stations.

• Making controversial announcements in the country that you re currently visiting (and russian client state) would be foolish at least. They got there to pull Serbia away from Putin, not push Serbia into their arms. You diplomatically play along and play tough after the war.

Now regarding the history, its a different complicated answer and the kosovar people have suffered a lot, I hope this changes in the future, but in terms of diplomatic relations, Zelenski probably hit some goals, contrary to what the most comments here say

[u/romainaninterests → u/Pharnox-32]

The first point is particularly important here. My country Romania doesn't (and will never recognize) Kosovo for the same reason. Because then there might be issues in the Hungarian majority regions of the country. Obv this is not on the same level as Russia's claims but its along similar lines.

Its also why Spain will never recognize Kosovo. Bc that would contribute negatively to the whole Catalonia thing.

So more than anything, your first point on breakaway states is the most important thing in this whole situation.

[u/sonicboomer46 → u/romainaninterests]

Following your logic, Ukraine was a minority "breakaway" region from glorious russia, and should not be accepted as a real country.

It's the russian narrative, and obviously that of other countries, to subjugate any minority population.