Ukrainian journalist who took refuge in Kosovo: Ukraine should recognize this country after the war

Iryna Synelnyk, the Ukrainian journalist who is part of the group of Ukrainian journalists who found refuge in Kosovo, spoke for the Independent Ukrainian Information Agency UNIAN, based in Kiev, but the interview took place in Lithuania.

Synelnyk spoke about her long journey and the challenges that a devastating war brought to her country.

“There was a time when there was a [communication] link. Then apparently there has been no communication for the last two weeks. So I only wrote material that can be published later. I interviewed a family who left Chernihiv. They risked a lot. The Russians almost shot them several times,” she says.

“Everyone has their own story, everyone experienced this time emotionally in their own way, but the main thing is that we were determined not to give up, we wanted to fight.” And I think that also helped us get through this difficult moment.”

Then she returned to Chernihiv.

“My apartment was partially damaged because a plane had landed at our house. I did a little repair work. But such disturbing conversations began. I understood that it was Russian propaganda. But when you’re a journalist and you’ve written a lot of material about the war, you feel vulnerable.”

Then she made the decision to go to Kosovo, where the Kosovar government had organized the Program for the Protection of Journalists in the Republic of Kosovo.

“It is organized by the government of Kosovo and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom. It was initiated by media lawyer Flutura Kusari from Kosovo and received the support of the government. “The conditions are in place for 20 Ukrainian journalists to live and work in Kosovo,” she says.

“It was a bit unexpected for me, but I received an invitation and traveled to Kosovo, even though I knew very little about this country.”

Synelnyk emphasized that Ukraine has not yet recognized Kosovo. But she gives the reason why this is happening.

“After living in this country for a year, I understand that this is mainly due to the influence of Serbian and Russian propaganda. And in general, the information that is available about this state in Ukraine is mainly determined by the policy of Serbia, which is always aggressive towards Kosovo.”

“We have seen how ready the Albanians are to fight for their country. Their example is also inspiring and they undeniably support Ukraine. They have been providing humanitarian aid from the very beginning,” she announced.

She also shows how the citizens of Kosovo have welcomed them.

“When you say that you are from Ukraine, everyone responds, “We really support Ukraine”, “Glory to Ukraine!”. And it’s very nice that we have so much understanding and support. And when Kosovars say: “We understand what war is like”, these are not just words, but part of their lives, because the war in Kosovo took place in 1998-1999.

She says that war is terrible everywhere.

“Robberies, murders, rapes of women, disappearances – they all happened.” And they understand what Ukraine is going through now. That’s why they are willing to support and help us. And of course, Albanian journalists often ask the question: When will Ukraine recognize Kosovo? We journalists who have participated or are still participating in this program have high hopes that this will become one of the post-war issues. I want to believe that because people are very supportive and understand the situation Ukraine is in at the moment and how important it is for us to have the support of the world and Europe. And it is very important for Ukraine to win.”

She was asked that while Lithuania recognized Kosovo in 2008 like the state of Israel, should Ukraine do so as well.

“As far as I know, this issue of justice concerns us first and foremost. This means that we must also be fair to the suffering peoples at international level: to Taiwan, the Uyghurs and the Syrians. And then we can demand such an attitude towards ourselves,” Synelnyk was asked.

“I completely agree with you! It is worth mentioning that Kosovo’s independence was declared in 2008. This makes Lithuania one of the countries that recognized the independent state of Kosovo for the first time. For me, this is an example of stability and the desire for independence, which is passed on from generation to generation and strongly encouraged at the level of each family. In other words, this is where the sense of home begins. “It was founded by the family,” she replied.

“And then it is formed even more through education, through social institutions.” But above all, it exists in the family. And the Albanians say: “It’s more difficult for you Ukrainians because you have similar languages.” And it’s worth knowing how many Ukrainians still use the Russian language. And Albanian and Serbian are completely different. They also have different religions – Islam and Christianity. And they say they have had almost no marriage, although some deny that.

Synelnyk is currently studying in Vilnius (where the journalism training takes place) and so they took the opportunity to conduct the interview with her.

Finally, she thanked the countries that had opened the door for her to work from a safe place and serve her country with unbiased reporting.

“I would like to thank all the countries, especially Lithuania and Kosovo, for supporting Ukraine and once again remind them that the world should not be indifferent when such an injustice happens, when an independent state is attacked.”/The Geopost/