 | This article possibly contains original research .(September 2020) |
 | |
 Kosovo |  Russia |
|---|---|
Kosovo and Russia do not have official relations due to Russia's support for Serbia in the Kosovo issue. However, the relationship between the two nations has been relatively cold, although relations have been warming in recent years.
Following the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence, Russia immediately took a pro-Serbian stance, and strongly opposed to the independence of Kosovo. [1] [2] Opposition against Kosovo's independence since then have been remained even after the end of Vladimir Putin's first term as Russian President. [3]
The relationship between Kosovo and Russia is shaped by a combination of geopolitical, historical, and diplomatic factors, primarily revolving around Russia's steadfast opposition to Kosovo's independence. This complex relationship remains a key issue in the broader international context of the Western Balkans, where the legacy of the 1990s conflicts still reverberates.
Background and Russia's Position on Kosovo's Independence Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, following a protracted and often violent history. This declaration followed years of conflict in the region, most notably the 1999 Kosovo War, which saw NATO intervene in the conflict between Yugoslav forces (under the leadership of Serbia) and the ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo. After the war, Kosovo was placed under a United Nations interim administration (UNMIK), and although there was no clear resolution on Kosovo's final status, the region's ethnic Albanian majority pushed for full independence. Russia, a traditional ally of Serbia, has been one of the most vocal and consistent opponents of Kosovo’s independence. Moscow views Kosovo as an integral part of Serbia and, therefore, believes that Kosovo’s independence is a violation of Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This position is rooted in both legal arguments and strategic interests. Russia’s commitment to Serbia stems from deep historical, cultural, and political ties. Kosovo holds particular importance to Serbia due to its historical and religious significance, as the site of many medieval Serbian Orthodox monasteries, making it a symbol of national identity for Serbs.
Diplomatic and Political Dimensions Russia's opposition to Kosovo's independence is most evident in its actions at the United Nations. Russia has consistently used its veto power in the UN Security Council to block any moves to recognize Kosovo's independence or admit it as a member of the United Nations. Despite Kosovo gaining recognition from over 100 countries (including major powers such as the United States, Germany, and France), the veto power of Russia and China, combined with Serbia’s diplomatic lobbying, has prevented Kosovo from achieving full UN membership. This diplomatic stance has placed Russia at odds with Western countries, particularly in the context of the broader international community’s approach to issues of sovereignty, self-determination, and territorial integrity. While many Western nations recognize Kosovo as an independent state, Russia argues that such a unilateral declaration of independence sets a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining the international legal order.
The Kosovo-Serbia-Russia Triangle The relationship between Kosovo and Russia cannot be fully understood without considering the central role that Serbia plays in the dynamic. Serbia is a key Russian ally in the Balkans, and its opposition to Kosovo’s independence is vital to Russia’s strategic interests in the region. Moscow provides significant political, military, and economic support to Serbia, positioning itself as Serbia’s main partner in international forums. Russia’s support for Serbia has been crucial in maintaining Serbia’s stance on Kosovo, preventing the country from moving towards recognizing Kosovo as an independent state. For Serbia, Russia’s support is seen as a counterbalance to the influence of the West, particularly the European Union and NATO. Serbia has resisted Western pressure to normalize relations with Kosovo, with the backing of Russia, which advocates for a negotiated solution that respects Serbia’s territorial integrity. In return, Serbia often aligns itself with Russian positions on international matters, strengthening the bilateral relationship. Kosovo’s Perspective on Russia For Kosovo, Russia’s unwavering support for Serbia is a significant obstacle to its aspirations for international legitimacy and recognition. Kosovo’s government and its people view Russia’s position as a challenge to their sovereignty. Kosovo sees itself as a modern, European state that deserves recognition and the right to chart its own future, free from interference. Kosovo’s leaders have criticized Russia’s stance as out of touch with the realities of the 21st century and as a hindrance to peace and stability in the Balkans. Despite being recognized by over 100 countries, Kosovo’s lack of recognition by Russia and other countries, notably five EU member states, remains a major barrier to its full integration into international institutions, including the United Nations, the European Union, and NATO.
On 19 February 2009, in response to Hashim Thaçi's information that Russia is planning the recognition of Kosovo. [4]
Russian ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Konuzin told a Belgrade daily in June 2009 that "Russia's stand is rather simple — we are ready to back whatever position Serbia takes (with regards to Kosovo)." [5] Russia has maintained its critical anti-Kosovo independence stance as for 2010s and continue to see it illegal. [6]
In March 2014, Russia used Kosovo's declaration of independence as a justification for recognizing the independence of Crimea, citing the so-called "Kosovo independence precedent". [7] [8]
The poor relations between two have impacted on the UEFA Women's Euro 2021 qualifying, when Russia women's national football team and Kosovo women's national football team could not meet due to security reasons, and have to play in a selected neutral ground. [9]
Despite there has been no official relationship between two nations due to Russia's alliance with Serbia, thaws in relationship through cultural endeavours have started to be witnessed.
Russia had agreed to allow Kosovo to participate in the 2014 World Judo Championships hosted in Chelyabinsk, in this competition, Kosovo-born Majlinda Kelmendi won Kosovo's historic gold medal in the competition. [10] She later managed to repeat the feat, once again in Russia during the 2016 European Judo Championships, this time in Kazan, which has been greeted with joy by many Albanians as a diplomatic victory toward Russia's open opposition to Kosovo's independence. [11]
Other than judo, Russia also permitted Kosovo to participate in the 2015 World Aquatics Championships, which was considered as an exception. [12]
In 2020 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification, the under-19 teams of Russia and Kosovo met for the first time in their opening game, despite no official relations between two nations. The game ended 1–1. [13]
Era Istrefi, a Kosovo-born singer, was permitted to perform the song Live It Up in the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia, was another sign of the increase of cultural ties between two countries. [14]
In September 2020, Kosovo and Serbia agreed for economic normalisation with Donald Trump brokering. Though Russia has openly supported Serbia over Kosovo and has still maintained it, Russia also welcomed the normalisation between two nations, signalling another thaw in problematic Kosovan–Russian relations. [15] [16]
The Olympic Committee of Kosovo is the National Olympic Committee representing Kosovo. Officially established in 1992, the OCK became a full member of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Movement on 9 December 2014. It is responsible for Kosovo's participation at the Olympic Games.
Kosovo made its Olympic debut as a member state in 2016. Its team is organized by the Olympic Committee of Kosovo (OCK), created in 1992 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee on 9 December 2014. It won its first medal in its debut appearance in 2016, when judoka Majlinda Kelmendi took gold in the women's -52 kg category. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Nora Gjakova won gold in the women's judo -57 kg class, and Distria Krasniqi won gold in the women's judo -48 kg class.
The 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence, which proclaimed the Republic of Kosovo to be an independent and sovereign state, was adopted at a meeting held on 17 February 2008 by 109 out of the 120 members of the Assembly of Kosovo, including the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, and by the President of Kosovo, Fatmir Sejdiu. It was the second declaration of independence by Kosovo's Albanian-majority political institutions; the first was proclaimed on 7 September 1990.
International governments are divided on the issue of recognition of the independence of Kosovo from Serbia, which was declared in 2008. The Government of Serbia does not diplomatically recognise Kosovo as a sovereign state, although the two countries have enjoyed normalised economic relations since 2020 and have agreed not to try to interfere with the other's accession to the European Union.
On 17 February 2008, the majority of members of the Assembly of Kosovo, including Hashim Thaçi, and Fatmir Sejdiu, not acting in the capacity of PISG, declared Kosovo an independent and sovereign state. Kosovo was soon recognized as a sovereign state by the United States, Turkey, Albania, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and others. This triggered an international debate over whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence had set a precedent in international law that could apply to other separatist movements, or whether it is a special case. The recognition of Kosovo's independence by 101 out of 193 UN states, according to many sources, has given fresh impetus to other separatist movements.
France–Kosovo relations are the bilateral relations between the French Republic and the Republic of Kosovo. When Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008, France became one of the first countries to officially recognized the sovereignty of Kosovo. In a letter addressed to Fatmir Sejdiu, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, French President Nicolas Sarkozy officially recognized Kosovo as a sovereign and independent nation. This recognition took effect immediately and was in full alignment with a statement issued by European Ministers for Foreign Affairs in Brussels on the same day.
Japan–Kosovo relations are foreign relations between Japan and Kosovo. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, and Japan recognized it on March 18, 2008. According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan and Kosovo established diplomatic relations on February 25, 2009.
Kosovo–Norway Relations The diplomatic relations between Kosovo and Norway have been characterized by mutual support, particularly in the areas of recognition, peacekeeping, development assistance, and international diplomacy. Norway was one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo’s independence after it declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The relationship between the two nations has evolved over the years, encompassing cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres. Despite Kosovo's limited international recognition, Norway has continued to support Kosovo’s development and integration into European and international institutions.
Kosovo–Poland relations refer to the diplomatic, cultural, and economic interactions between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Poland. These relations began in earnest following Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. Poland was one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo’s independence on February 26, 2008, becoming the first Slavic nation to do so.This recognition laid the groundwork for further bilateral collaboration and alignment within European frameworks. The relationship has since evolved to encompass peacekeeping, political support, and modest economic ties.
Russia's initial recognition of the independence of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia occurred in the aftermath of the conflict in South Ossetia and six months after the western recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence by Serbia's breakaway Republic of Kosovo in February 2008. This, and resultant non-recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by the West, has led to claims of hypocrisy and double standards on the part of both sides of the recognition divide.
Majlinda Kelmendi is a Kosovan-Albanian former judoka and judo coach.
Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of the Assembly of Kosovo. All 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings. International reaction was mixed, and the world community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo. The Russian Federation’s reaction to the 2008 Kosovo Declaration of Independence is one of strong opposition.
Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of the Assembly of Kosovo. All 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings. International reaction was mixed, and the world community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo. Ukraine's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence was originally one of neutrality, but it become more strongly opposed to independence during the presidency of Pro-Russian Viktor Yanokovich.
Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of the Assembly of Kosovo. All 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings. International reaction was mixed, and the world community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo. India's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence is one of non-recognition.
Kosovo–Venezuela relations are foreign relations between Kosovo and Venezuela. Formal diplomatic relations between two states are non-existent as Venezuela does not recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state.
Argentinian–Kosovar relations are foreign relations between Argentina and Kosovo. Formal diplomatic relations between two states are non-existent as Argentina does not recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state.
Brazilian–Kosovar relations are foreign relations between Brazil and Kosovo.
Iraqi–Kosovar relations are foreign relations between Iraq and Kosovo. Formal diplomatic relations between two states are positive as Iraq does recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state.
There are no formal diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Kosovo as Cyprus has not formally recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state.
Kosovar–Sri Lankan relations are foreign relations between Kosovo and Sri Lanka. Formal diplomatic relations between two states are non-existent as Sri Lanka does not recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state.
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
