Ukraine today received congratulations on Independence Day from the highest political leaders in Kosovo, a country that since the start of the Russian invasion, has publicly positioned itself in support of Ukrainians.
However, on the ground it seems that things are different. As politician Behgjet Pacolli denounces, today at the border crossing with Moldova, the Ukrainian authorities have not only turned back some Kosovar citizens, but have also mistreated them, calling them "terrorists".
Ukraine does not recognize Kosovo, however, as Pacolli explains, many countries that do not recognize it, nevertheless allow Kosovo citizens to enter their territories.
Pacolli's denunciation:
There are dozens of countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo, but almost all of them allow our citizens to enter with a Kosovar passport. Today, Ukraine has returned Kosovo citizens to the border crossing with Moldova – not only has it rejected them, but has insulted and mistreated them, even calling them "terrorists".
This is not the first case: a few years ago, the same Ukraine acted scandalously with our national football team, who were forced to travel to Georgia to play the match.
We here in Kosovo continue to show solidarity and pain for them – while they humiliate us. Isn't it time to reconsider our attitudes towards those who do not respect us even with the slightest dignity?