Albania–Ukraine relations

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Albanian-Ukrainian relations
Map indicating locations of Albania and Ukraine

Albania
Ukraine

The diplomatic relations between Albania and Ukraine were established in 1922.[citation needed] In September 2020, Ukraine opened an embassy in Tirana.[1] Albania is accredited to Ukraine from its embassy in Warsaw, Poland and has an honorary consulate in Kharkiv.[2]

Albania opposed the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and its moves to distabilise eastern areas of Ukraine.[3] Albanian authorities stated the West needed to respond in a firm and unitary manner toward Russian actions in Ukraine.[3]

As Russian military actions in Ukraine commenced, Albanian President Ilir Meta,[4] Prime Minister Edi Rama,[5] Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Olta Xhaçka,[6] and Ambassador to the UN Ferit Hoxha[7][8] made statements condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. After a NATO summit, Rama said that Albania would be ready to welcome a few thousand Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.[9] Albania opposed Russia's recognition of the separatist regions in Ukraine's Donbass as independent and considered it a violation of international law, the Minsk Protocol and Ukrainian sovereignty.[10]

In late February 2022, Albania and the US tabled a co-written resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the 15 member UN Security Council, but failed to pass as Russia vetoed it.[11] At the UN Security Council, Albania cosponsored a resolution with the US for an emergency General Assembly session to be held regarding the invasion of Ukraine.[12][13] As it was a procedural vote, Russia's opposition did not effect the outcome and the resolution passed.[12][13] In a phone call with Prime minister Rama, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Albania's efforts and assistance to Ukraine.[14]

The name of a Tirana street where the Ukrainian embassy is located was changed to "Free Ukraine" by Mayor Erion Veliaj.[15][16] In early March, Albania's honorary consulate in Kharkiv was shelled and destroyed by Russian forces, there were no casualties as its staff had evacuated the building.[17][18][16] A resolution was passed by the Albanian parliament supporting Ukraine and its borders.[16] Albania delivered military equipment to Ukraine for its combat operations opposing Russia.[19] In mid March, Albania received 351 Ukrainian refugees with the government offering to house several thousand other Ukrainians.[20] Albania has allowed any Ukrainians entering the country to remain without visas and a resident's permit for up to a year.[20]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Міністерство закордонних справ України - A new level of bilateral relations: Ukraine has established an Embassy in Albania". mfa.gov.ua.
  2. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-11-17. Retrieved 2016-09-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^ a b Biberaj, Elez (2015). "Albania: The Challenges of Transition". In Wolchik, Sharon L.; Leftwich Curry, Jane (eds.). Central and East European Politics: From Communism to Democracy. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 425. ISBN 9781442224223.
  4. ^ "Albanian President Strongly Condemns Russian Aggression in Ukraine". Albanian Daily News. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  5. ^ "Kosovo Leaders Condemn Russian Attack, Affirm Solidarity With Ukraine". Prishtina Insight. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  6. ^ "Minister Xhaçka Condemns Russia's Offense on Ukraine". Albanian Daily News. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  7. ^ "Albania's UN Ambassador Condemns Russia's Attack on Kiev". Albanian Daily News. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  8. ^ "US, Albania call for UN vote Friday on resolution condemning Russia (Russia-Ukraine live updates)". Al Jazeera. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  9. ^ "Live updates: Zelenskyy declines US offer to evacuate Kyiv". The Associated Press. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  10. ^ "Albania Condemns Russian Recognition of Ukraine's Separatist Regions". Exit News. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  11. ^ "UN heads towards vote to condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine". The Australian. 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  12. ^ a b Lederer, Edith M. (28 February 2022). "UN to hold 2 meetings Monday on Russia's invasion of Ukraine". ABC News. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  13. ^ a b Falk, Pamela (28 February 2022). "U.N. General Assembly emergency session hears overwhelming global support for Ukraine". CBS News. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  14. ^ "Zelensky: Spoke with Edi Rama over fight against Russia". Euro News. 5 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  15. ^ "Albania renames street in Tirana as Free Ukraine". Ekathimerini. 7 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  16. ^ a b c Sinoruka, Fjori (8 March 2022). "Albanian Capital Renames Street by Russian Embassy 'Free Ukraine'". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  17. ^ "Albania's Consulate in Kharkiv shelled in Russian missile attack". Euro News. 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  18. ^ "Russian Missiles Demolish Honorary Albanian Consulate in Kharkiv". Exit News. 7 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  19. ^ Qalliu, Bledar (17 March 2022). "Albania Sent Military Equipment to Ukraine". Exit News. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  20. ^ a b "Live updates: Ukraine, Russia continue talks over video". Miami Herald. 17 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.


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