Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his country's position on non-recognition of Kosovo as an independent state has not changed.
From Belgrade, at a press conference during his official visit, Zelensky was asked about the Kosovo issue. He said that he respects Serbia's territorial integrity.
"We respect the territorial integrity of our partners. We respect international law. This is our position. As for what you said about the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo, the position remains unchanged. We have always emphasized this and that Ukraine's policy has not changed," he said, according to media in Serbia.
On this occasion, Zelensky thanked Serbia for "respecting its territorial integrity and sovereignty, including Crimea."
"We will not change our position on the issue of Serbia," he added.
Bushati: Zelensky could have shown more appreciation for Kosovo
Former Albanian Foreign Minister, DItmir Bushati, has said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could have shown more appreciation for Kosovo during his visit to Belgrade today and yesterday.
Bushati said that Zelensky's visit to Serbia should be understood with the fact that Ukraine is facing an existential struggle.
"Zelensky's visit to Serbia should be understood in the context of the existential struggle that Ukraine is facing. No one expected any progress. However, Zelensky could have shown more appreciation for partners in Southeast Europe, including Kosovo, which has stood strongly by Ukraine's side," Buxhati wrote in "X".
During his stay in Serbia, Zelensky claimed that they have no intention of recognizing Kosovo.
Kosovo is one of the countries that has consistently provided support to Ukraine since the war with Russia began in 2022. Kosovo agreed to host Ukrainian refugees, launched a program for Ukrainian journalists, imposed sanctions on Russia, and provided humanitarian and medical aid.
The question that embarrassed Zelensky next to Vučić
The presidents of Serbia and Ukraine, Aleksandar Vučić and Volodymyr Zelensky, contented themselves in front of the cameras with emphasizing the principle of "territorial integrity" of the two countries, while avoiding direct discussion of military cooperation between Belgrade and Kiev, at a press conference held today in Belgrade.
According to "Deutsche Welles", the most sensitive topic of the meeting was only mentioned after a question from "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" journalist Michael Martens.
During the press conference, the two presidents exchanged cautious messages about respecting the territorial integrity of Serbia and Ukraine. They also discussed the path to the European Union, with Vučić skeptical about Serbia's prospects and Zelensky more optimistic about Ukraine.
The meeting also discussed the serious consequences of the Russian attacks of the last 24 hours, Serbia's medical aid to Ukraine, trade between the two countries, mining, agriculture, as well as products such as soybeans and flaxseed.
However, the most sensitive question related to military cooperation and drone production was asked by journalist Martens.
"Today we have not discussed any military cooperation," Vučić said, adding that "what will happen after the end of the war is another matter."
Vučić also said that Serbia will open a factory for the production of drones in September, but in cooperation with Israel.
VIDEO:
Zelensky:
We are very often asked about Israel. We would also like to receive air defense from them.
We would be ready to buy it. So far, we will not have that possibility, although we are in dialogue. pic.twitter.com/C4mmLOcBMU- Clash Report (@clashreport) August 8, 2026
This statement came after an article by Martens, published the day before, which stated that people close to President Zelensky had visited locations in Serbia where joint drone production could be organized.
The article also reported that large quantities of shells manufactured in Serbia were being shipped to Ukraine through intermediaries.
Zelensky did not give a direct answer to these allegations and appeared diplomatic. He implied that Ukraine is developing various forms of cooperation with Serbia that contribute to Ukraine's "stability."
Zelensky also said that he had discussed issues "that are not for the public" with Vučić.