The government of Kosovo decided to impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
These sanctions are in line with those imposed by the United States and the European Union, Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated on Friday, stressing that today’s decision is an extension of Kosovo’s political and diplomatic orientation.
Sanctions include freezing of assets of Russian banks, financial institutions and individuals, preventing access to financial markets, as well as other sanctions targeting Russian enterprises and political actors involved in the invasion of Ukraine.
Kurti reiterated Kosovo’s history of sanctions against Russia, following those by the US and EU in the past.
“The Russia we are witnessing today is not a new Russia, and it’s warning us that it doesn’t want to be a new Russia. Hence, the Western and democratic world’s answer must be unified and decisive. Our immediate, unconditional reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine must be read as a clear message of our political and diplomatic orientation,” Kurti stressed during a government meeting focused solely on sanctions.
Russia has been Serbia’s main supporter in preventing Kosovo from advancing its interests in international forums and from getting more recognition of its independence. It has also supplied Serbia with military support, including fighter jets, tanks and other heavy weapons.
Kosovo’s sanctions come in stark contrast to Serbia’s silence over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite being a candidate to join the European Union, Serbia remains the only country in Europe to not condemn the invasion.
Meanwhile, Kosovo joins the US, EU and Britain in imposing the same sanctions on Russia.
