Serbian ambassador delivers protest letter to Nairobi as Belgrade warns of fallout over Kosovo
Serbia insists that Resolution 1244 remains binding under international law and reiterated that Kosovo continues to be an integral part of its territory.
Serbia has lodged a strong diplomatic protest against Kenya following President William Ruto's surprise recognition of Kosovo, becoming the first country in nearly five years to acknowledge the contested Balkan breakaway state.
Serbian Ambassador to Kenya, Danijela Čubrilo Martić, delivered a formal protest note to Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi on behalf of the Serbian government.
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The note, described by diplomats as carrying a "disappointed and stern tone," expressed Belgrade's deep displeasure over Nairobi's decision.
"Today, I hosted H.E. Ms. Danijela Čubrilo Martić, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to Kenya, during her courtesy call to protest Kenya's position on Kosovo," Mudavadi said in a post on X.
"Kenya values its diplomatic partnership with Serbia and remains committed to deepening collaboration for shared prosperity," Mudavadi added.
In an official statement, Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Kenya's decision, labeling it "shocking and disappointing."
Belgrade argued that the move flagrantly violated United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, which affirms Serbia's territorial sovereignty over Kosovo.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia strongly condemns the decision of the Republic of Kenya to recognise the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called 'Kosovo'," the statement read.
Serbia insists that Resolution 1244 remains binding under international law and reiterated that Kosovo continues to be an integral part of its territory.
The Serbian government warned that Kenya's recognition undermines efforts toward regional stability and constructive dialogue, especially at a time when the international community is marking 80 years since the adoption of the UN Charter.
Belgrade also dismissed any justification based on the 2010 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which found that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law. Serbia maintains that the opinion does not equate to legal recognition.
Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, has been recognised by more than 110 countries—including the US and most EU members but has struggled in recent years to gain further recognition.
Its efforts to join the United Nations remain blocked by key Serbian allies, including Russia and China.
Kenya's sudden recognition injects fresh energy into the international debate over Kosovo's status while potentially realigning Nairobi's diplomatic relations in the Balkans—and possibly beyond.
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