Selenskyj visit

“Leader of the heroic resistance” in Albania

President Volodymyr Zelenskyi now also wants to strengthen relations with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.(Bild: AP)

In an effort to increase support against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has now visited Albania for the first time since the outbreak of war two years ago. Selensky, who was welcomed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama as the "leader of the heroic resistance", is taking part in a summit meeting of the Western Balkan states.

"Today I am working in Tirana. I will meet Ukraine's steadfast friend, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and take part in a summit between Ukraine and Southeast Europe," Selenskyj wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

"In our bilateral talks with the Prime Minister and his team, we will discuss defense and political cooperation, support for the peace formula and security agreements. Albania is one of the countries that signed the G7 Vilnius Declaration, which we greatly appreciate," Selensky continued. Among other things, he wanted to propose the organization of a global peace summit in Switzerland.

President Volodymyr Zelensky met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before his trip to Albania. Saudi Arabia has already mediated in the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia. Preparations are now underway for a peace summit in Switzerland.(Bild: AP)

Rama also wants to express the solidarity of the entire region with Ukraine. Prior to his arrival in Albania, Zelenskyi had visited Saudi Arabia and, after more than two years of Russian aggression, also appealed for support there.

Weakened into the third year of war
Ukraine is entering the third year of the war weakened by the faltering military aid from its allies. The counter-offensive in the summer of 2023 failed with painful losses. In Washington, a new Ukraine aid package worth 60 billion dollars (around 55.7 billion euros) has been blocked for months by the opposition Republicans in Congress. NATO member Albania has strongly supported Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression, but has so far largely kept a low profile with regard to arms deliveries for Kiev.