Politics
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Politics · Analysis · Developments
US is losing patience: Rubio signals end to Ukraine peace efforts
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that the United States may soon withdraw from efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine if the situation does not change in the coming days.
During a press conference in Paris on April 18, 2025, Rubio said: “If it is not possible to stop the war in Ukraine, we must move forward,” underlining that it is time to determine whether the negotiations still have real potential for success.
“It is not our war. We did not start it. But we have done everything we can to stop it,” he added, hinting at a possible shift in US foreign policy focus.
Rubio's statements come after several rounds of intensive talks between US, Ukrainian and European Union officials. To reach a ceasefire agreement. However, Russia has rejected a proposal supported by President Trump and the Ukrainian government.
Rubio's comments suggest a possibility that the US could shift its foreign policy focus if a concrete agreement is not reached. The next talks are expected to be held in London next week, and they could be crucial for the future role of the US in the peace process.
During a press conference in Paris on April 18, 2025, Rubio said: “If it is not possible to stop the war in Ukraine, we must move forward,” underlining that it is time to determine whether the negotiations still have real potential for success.
“It is not our war. We did not start it. But we have done everything we can to stop it,” he added, hinting at a possible shift in US foreign policy focus.
Rubio's statements come after several rounds of intensive talks between US, Ukrainian and European Union officials. To reach a ceasefire agreement. However, Russia has rejected a proposal supported by President Trump and the Ukrainian government.
Rubio's comments suggest a possibility that the US could shift its foreign policy focus if a concrete agreement is not reached. The next talks are expected to be held in London next week, and they could be crucial for the future role of the US in the peace process.
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Political impasse in Kosovo: Constituent session fails for the second time
Pristina, April 17, 2025 — The constitutive session of the Kosovo Assembly has failed for the second time, deepening the political crisis and raising serious concerns about the functionality of state institutions after the last elections. The lack of an inter-party agreement, as well as tensions over the resignation of the incumbent government and the verification of mandates, caused the proceedings to be interrupted once again without any concrete decision.
Clashes between parties continue to be essential in this deadlock: the opposition accuses the Vetëvendosje Movement of political imposition, while the latter criticizes the opposition for deliberate obstruction. Calls for compromise have not been accompanied by concrete steps, while representatives of the LDK and PDK demand respect for the constitutional order and a comprehensive approach.
Clashes between parties continue to be essential in this deadlock: the opposition accuses the Vetëvendosje Movement of political imposition, while the latter criticizes the opposition for deliberate obstruction. Calls for compromise have not been accompanied by concrete steps, while representatives of the LDK and PDK demand respect for the constitutional order and a comprehensive approach.
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Politics
President's Letter to the Chairperson of the Constituent Session: Requests the Session to be Held Within 48 Hours
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, has sent an official letter to the chair of the constitutive session of the ninth legislature of the Assembly, Mr. Avni Dehari, informing him of the constitutional obligation he has in the functioning of the institutions and requesting the urgent holding of the constitutive session within 48 hours.
In this letter, President Osmani recalls that based on the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo and the judgments of the Constitutional Court, no norm can be interpreted in a way that blocks the establishment or effective functioning of institutions. She underlines that every person with public authority, including the Chairperson of the session, has the obligation to act in accordance with the spirit and provisions of the constitution. "The structure of constitutional norms related to the establishment of state institutions that emanate from the people's vote must be interpreted in such a way as to implement and not block the establishment and effective exercise of the relevant functions," quotes a part of the Constitutional Court judgment that the President has included in her letter. The President also recalls that, according to the rules of procedure of the Assembly and previous decisions of the Constitutional Court, if a constitutive session is interrupted, it must continue within a maximum period of 48 hours. Given that the first constitutive session began on April 8, 2025, she requests that it be continued immediately in accordance with the constitutional deadline.
At the end of the letter, President Osmani emphasizes her readiness to invite the heads of parliamentary parties to a consultative meeting if such a thing is considered necessary to discuss further steps.
The letter comes at a sensitive political time, when the delay in the establishment of new institutions has caused public and institutional concern. With this request, the President aims to ensure respect for constitutional norms and guarantee the democratic functioning of the state.
In this letter, President Osmani recalls that based on the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo and the judgments of the Constitutional Court, no norm can be interpreted in a way that blocks the establishment or effective functioning of institutions. She underlines that every person with public authority, including the Chairperson of the session, has the obligation to act in accordance with the spirit and provisions of the constitution. "The structure of constitutional norms related to the establishment of state institutions that emanate from the people's vote must be interpreted in such a way as to implement and not block the establishment and effective exercise of the relevant functions," quotes a part of the Constitutional Court judgment that the President has included in her letter. The President also recalls that, according to the rules of procedure of the Assembly and previous decisions of the Constitutional Court, if a constitutive session is interrupted, it must continue within a maximum period of 48 hours. Given that the first constitutive session began on April 8, 2025, she requests that it be continued immediately in accordance with the constitutional deadline.
At the end of the letter, President Osmani emphasizes her readiness to invite the heads of parliamentary parties to a consultative meeting if such a thing is considered necessary to discuss further steps.
The letter comes at a sensitive political time, when the delay in the establishment of new institutions has caused public and institutional concern. With this request, the President aims to ensure respect for constitutional norms and guarantee the democratic functioning of the state.
Politics
Letter seeking solution – Dehari sends letter to the President
On April 15, 2025, the constitutive session of the Assembly of Kosovo failed due to the non-approval of the report of the Commission for the Verification of Mandates. In this situation, the chair of the session, Avni Dehari, announced that he would address a letter to President Vjosa Osmani to seek guidance on further steps.
According to the latest information, the Presidency confirmed that it has received this letter and the legal team is reviewing it to propose future actions to the President.
This development follows a tense situation in the Assembly, where the opposition (PDK, LDK, AAK) voted against the report of the Commission for the Verification of Mandates, considering it unconstitutional, while Vetëvendosje insisted that the procedures were followed in accordance with the rules.
According to the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of Kosovo, interruptions during the constitutive session cannot last longer than 48 hours. Therefore, it is expected that President Osmani will make a quick decision to guarantee the continuity of the parliamentary process.
According to the latest information, the Presidency confirmed that it has received this letter and the legal team is reviewing it to propose future actions to the President.
This development follows a tense situation in the Assembly, where the opposition (PDK, LDK, AAK) voted against the report of the Commission for the Verification of Mandates, considering it unconstitutional, while Vetëvendosje insisted that the procedures were followed in accordance with the rules.
According to the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of Kosovo, interruptions during the constitutive session cannot last longer than 48 hours. Therefore, it is expected that President Osmani will make a quick decision to guarantee the continuity of the parliamentary process.
Politics
Sudan joins the list of countries that recognize Kosovo
President Vjosa Osmani has announced that Sudan has taken the decision to recognize Kosovo's independence. She described this as an important step towards strengthening the country's international subjectivity and thanked the Sudanese authorities for this friendly action.
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06
Abdixhiku Rejects Kurti's Call for Consultative Meeting
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, has rejected an invitation for a consultative meeting from the leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, calling any political communication that is not based on respect and dignity unacceptable. He stressed that the LDK is not driven by anger, but cannot ignore the derogatory language that has been used against it for years.
In his public statement, Abdixhiku recalled that the LDK and its voters have been victims of a continuous campaign of verbal attacks and labeling, which have created an environment unsuitable for sincere political dialogue. He noted that a consultative meeting, in this context, would constitute a betrayal of the LDK's word and beliefs.
LDK confirms its support for the constitution of the Assembly on April 15 and recognizes the constitutional right of the first party to form the government. However, Abdixhiku stressed that the LDK's positions remain unchanged, and any attempt to dictate its political direction is unacceptable. "Words have weight," he said.
In his public statement, Abdixhiku recalled that the LDK and its voters have been victims of a continuous campaign of verbal attacks and labeling, which have created an environment unsuitable for sincere political dialogue. He noted that a consultative meeting, in this context, would constitute a betrayal of the LDK's word and beliefs.
LDK confirms its support for the constitution of the Assembly on April 15 and recognizes the constitutional right of the first party to form the government. However, Abdixhiku stressed that the LDK's positions remain unchanged, and any attempt to dictate its political direction is unacceptable. "Words have weight," he said.
07
Kurti convenes Security Council: Serbia is interfering with MPs to sabotage the creation of new institutions
The Kosovo Security Council held an urgent meeting today at the call of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, to discuss the general security situation in the country, according to the official announcement of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.
The discussions focused on destabilizing plans and criminal interventions by Serbia. According to the announcement, the incident of April 1, when the Kosovo Post office in Zvecan was attacked with two hand grenades - one of which exploded. Fortunately, the office has been fully repaired and is currently providing public services normally.
Also, the case of the arrest of four Serbian citizens in Gjakova last evening, who claimed to be pilgrims, was highlighted. Among them, one was a lieutenant of the Serbian police and another a captain of the Serbian army. In light of this case and the materials confiscated from them, the Council underlined the importance of maintaining vigilance and maximum readiness by all state institutions and mechanisms.
The meeting, as announced by the Government, also addressed Serbia's interference in the electoral process of 9 February 2025 in Kosovo, through the Serbian List and the terrorist leader Milan Radoićić, considered the "de facto" leader of this political force. Serbia is now attempting to influence the deputies of non-majority and non-Serb communities, in order to sabotage the establishment of the new institutions of the ninth legislature of the Assembly of Kosovo. These efforts, accompanied by threats, enticements and blackmail, risk causing interethnic and inter-party tensions in the country.
The Government's announcement states that these actions constitute a flagrant interference with the sovereignty and democratic functioning of the state of Kosovo. Serbia, through pressure exerted on Serbian citizens in Kosovo, is aiming for their participation in a rally announced by President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade next week. According to the Government, this is an attempt to export the internal crisis of the Vučić regime to Kosovo and beyond.
The Kosovo Security Council expressed gratitude to all citizens who support the institutions and stand by the state in maintaining order and security.
The discussions focused on destabilizing plans and criminal interventions by Serbia. According to the announcement, the incident of April 1, when the Kosovo Post office in Zvecan was attacked with two hand grenades - one of which exploded. Fortunately, the office has been fully repaired and is currently providing public services normally.
Also, the case of the arrest of four Serbian citizens in Gjakova last evening, who claimed to be pilgrims, was highlighted. Among them, one was a lieutenant of the Serbian police and another a captain of the Serbian army. In light of this case and the materials confiscated from them, the Council underlined the importance of maintaining vigilance and maximum readiness by all state institutions and mechanisms.
The meeting, as announced by the Government, also addressed Serbia's interference in the electoral process of 9 February 2025 in Kosovo, through the Serbian List and the terrorist leader Milan Radoićić, considered the "de facto" leader of this political force. Serbia is now attempting to influence the deputies of non-majority and non-Serb communities, in order to sabotage the establishment of the new institutions of the ninth legislature of the Assembly of Kosovo. These efforts, accompanied by threats, enticements and blackmail, risk causing interethnic and inter-party tensions in the country.
The Government's announcement states that these actions constitute a flagrant interference with the sovereignty and democratic functioning of the state of Kosovo. Serbia, through pressure exerted on Serbian citizens in Kosovo, is aiming for their participation in a rally announced by President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade next week. According to the Government, this is an attempt to export the internal crisis of the Vučić regime to Kosovo and beyond.
The Kosovo Security Council expressed gratitude to all citizens who support the institutions and stand by the state in maintaining order and security.
08
LDK reacts harshly: Third in the rankings, but first in growth!
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo has reacted to a wave of political attacks that, according to him, are coordinated and deliberate, starting immediately after the end of the elections. “The synchronized attacks on the LDK, launched since the end of the elections, are neither accidental nor unintentional. The LDK emphasizes that, although it is the third party in terms of votes, it is constantly accused of being guilty of everything that happens in the country – which, according to it, proves the fear of its opponents towards its continuous growth.
In the statement, the party refutes the claims that it is under the influence of the oligarchs or in the service of the current government, underlining its stability and political independence: “No matter what, we do not go with them, we do not talk to them, we do not cooperate with them! The truth is simple. The LDK is standing for itself; and through itself and for the Republic.” LDK emphasizes that it has won the legal battle for its votes at three judicial levels and that it will continue to defend the free vote with determination.
The final message is direct and mobilizing: "LDK is strong, unique and renewed! Never more together than today! The voices of the state will no longer shake it! We are growing, more and faster than anyone!" - adding that its strength stems from the support of citizens. A total of 171 thousand. We are growing! More than anyone else; we will grow faster than anyone!"
In the statement, the party refutes the claims that it is under the influence of the oligarchs or in the service of the current government, underlining its stability and political independence: “No matter what, we do not go with them, we do not talk to them, we do not cooperate with them! The truth is simple. The LDK is standing for itself; and through itself and for the Republic.” LDK emphasizes that it has won the legal battle for its votes at three judicial levels and that it will continue to defend the free vote with determination.
The final message is direct and mobilizing: "LDK is strong, unique and renewed! Never more together than today! The voices of the state will no longer shake it! We are growing, more and faster than anyone!" - adding that its strength stems from the support of citizens. A total of 171 thousand. We are growing! More than anyone else; we will grow faster than anyone!"
09
Meloni: "Italy does not choose between the US and the EU, it chooses national interest"
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dismissed the idea that Italy should choose between the United States and the European Union, calling such a choice “infantile” and “superficial.” In an interview with the Financial Times, Meloni stressed that Italy is capable of maintaining good relations with both sides, saying:
“Italy can have good relations with the United States, and if there is something I can do to avoid clashes with Europe and build bridges, I will do it – because it is in the interest of Europeans.” (Financial Times)
Meloni, who leads the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, described the US as Italy's "first ally" and acknowledged her ideological closeness to former US President Donald Trump:
"I am a conservative. Trump is a Republican leader. Of course I am closer to him than many others, but I understand a leader who defends national interests. I also defend mine."
Her statements come at a time of growing tension between the US and the EU, particularly over trade and defence issues. Meloni has called for a measured and balanced approach, speaking out against impulsive reactions to US tariffs on Italian goods.
“Italy can have good relations with the United States, and if there is something I can do to avoid clashes with Europe and build bridges, I will do it – because it is in the interest of Europeans.” (Financial Times)
Meloni, who leads the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, described the US as Italy's "first ally" and acknowledged her ideological closeness to former US President Donald Trump:
"I am a conservative. Trump is a Republican leader. Of course I am closer to him than many others, but I understand a leader who defends national interests. I also defend mine."
Her statements come at a time of growing tension between the US and the EU, particularly over trade and defence issues. Meloni has called for a measured and balanced approach, speaking out against impulsive reactions to US tariffs on Italian goods.
10
President Trump Attends Iftar Dinner at the White House
President Donald Trump also attended the traditional Iftar dinner at the White House, in honor of the holy month of Ramadan.
During his speech, Trump thanked the American Muslim community for their support in the 2024 presidential election, stating:"The Muslim community was there for us in November, and as long as I am president, I will be there for you."
He also emphasized his administration's commitment to peace in the Middle East, citing diplomatic efforts to expand the Abraham Accords.
The White House Iftar dinner is a tradition established in its modern form in 1996 by First Lady Hillary Clinton, with the aim of honoring Ramadan and fostering dialogue. Interfaith.
Youtube/TheWhiteHouse
During his speech, Trump thanked the American Muslim community for their support in the 2024 presidential election, stating:"The Muslim community was there for us in November, and as long as I am president, I will be there for you."
He also emphasized his administration's commitment to peace in the Middle East, citing diplomatic efforts to expand the Abraham Accords.
The White House Iftar dinner is a tradition established in its modern form in 1996 by First Lady Hillary Clinton, with the aim of honoring Ramadan and fostering dialogue. Interfaith.
Youtube/TheWhiteHouse