Prishtina, 24 February 2026
Dear Ukrainians,
Your Excellency Mr. Orav, Ambassador of the European Union to Kosovo,
Honorable Albulena Haxhiu, Speaker of the Parliament,
Your Excellencies Ms. Guérot, Ambassador of France; Ambassador Hargreaves of the United Kingdom; Ambassador Antonini of Italy; Deputy Ambassador Böttcher of Germany,
Honorable ambassadors, heads of mission and representatives of the diplomatic corps,
Honorable ministers of the government and members of parliament,
Honorable Mayor of Prishtina,
Honorable representatives of international organizations, civil society and the media,
Dear friends,
Dear friends of the people of Ukraine,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Russia’s full-scale attack against Ukraine on 24 February 2022 was an expansion of the war between the two countries that had begun in February 2014, when masked Russian troops covertly invaded and took control of Crimea. In the months that followed, Russian troops and their local proxies occupied territory in the Donbas region of Ukraine, resulting in ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine that killed more than 14,000 people before the 2022 Russian assault. Russia also forcibly deported up to 1.6 million Ukrainian citizens, sending them to Russia or to occupied territories, while in 2022, 20,000 Ukrainian children were abducted and taken to Russia. The International Criminal Court has concluded that this large-scale campaign of abductions constitutes a war crime.
In this fourth year—now entering the fifth—of Russia’s attempt to conquer Ukraine, we address the Ukrainian people with deep respect, solidarity, and sincere understanding. The people of Kosovo know the wounds that war leaves behind; we carry with us the vivid memories of loss, displacement, and a struggle to defend freedom and dignity. Because of this shared history, Ukraine’s suffering is not distant to us. We recognize it and stand by you with genuine empathy.
Over the past four years of war, the Ukrainian people have endured immeasurable human and material losses. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed or wounded. Millions have been forced to leave their homes, seeking safety within Ukraine or beyond its borders. Entire villages and cities have been destroyed. Lives have been lost not only on the battlefield, but also beneath the rubble of homes, schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure. The scale of destruction is staggering.
This winter has added another layer of hardship. Hundreds of thousands of residents face sub-zero temperatures without heating or electricity, as energy infrastructure continues to be targeted by Russian missiles. These are not merely attacks on structures; they are attacks on human dignity and daily life. Yet even through darkness and cold, the Ukrainian people continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience.
Under the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine has shown a unity and determination that inspires the democratic world. The courage of Ukrainian citizens in defending their sovereignty reminds us that freedom is protected through sacrifice, solidarity, and unwavering belief in justice.
Our position has been clear since the first days of the invasion. The Republic of Kosovo was among the first countries to join the United States and the European Union in imposing political, economic, and financial sanctions against the Russian Federation. We joined international statements supporting Ukraine’s right to defend its democratic institutions, independence, sovereignty, the freedom of its people, and its territorial integrity against an unprovoked and unjustified war.
Beyond words, we have also sought to act. Our government has supported and funded a special program offering shelter in Kosovo to Ukrainian journalists forced to leave their country. We are proud to provide them with safety and space to continue their professional work. Kosovo is also a member of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, where our defense representatives regularly participate in coordination efforts with partners. In addition, two packages of military assistance have been sent to Ukraine. Our contribution also extends to training and humanitarian support. Members of the Kosovo Security Force have been involved in allied efforts abroad to prepare Ukrainian personnel. In Kosovo, Ukrainian women are being trained in demining and explosive ordnance disposal—work that will be essential for saving lives and rebuilding communities after the war ends. These efforts reflect our conviction that solidarity must be practical, sustainable, and guided by vision.
As a small country, we measure our strength not by size, but by principle. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to a just and lasting peace based on international law.
From a country that understands the cost of war and the value of freedom, we say to the people of Ukraine: You are not alone. Our solidarity is unwavering today, tomorrow, and in the years to come. We honor the victims, the displaced families, and all those who continue to endure hardship with dignity, and we stand with you in hope, principle, and friendship.
We hope for the end of the war, and when peace returns to Ukraine, many years of work, investment, and international partnership will be required for its reconstruction.
Kosovo itself stands as proof that a country can rise from the ruins. From destruction and pain, our people built institutions, restored trust, and created a sovereign, democratic, and safe state in which to live. This transformation did not happen overnight. It was achieved through the determination of our citizens and the unwavering commitment of a society that chose peace over fear and democracy over despair, as well as through the support of the international community. Our journey is proof that recovery is possible, that wounds can heal. And we firmly believe that the people of Ukraine will rebuild their country with the same strength, dignity, and determination, emerging from this tragedy even more united, sovereign, and free.
Kosovo rose from the ashes of war to become a sovereign, democratic, and safe country because our people refused to surrender. We see that same strength today in Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini!
