Albania summoned the Russian ambassador over threats against Kyiv
Albania summoned the Russian ambassador in Tirana following statements from the Kremlin that Tirana viewed as threats against diplomatic missions in Kyiv and foreign personnel. The country’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned such rhetoric, calling it unacceptable and a violation of international law. Albania declared its support for Ukraine and its refusal to succumb to intimidation. This was stated by Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha on social media.
The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador to Tirana following high-profile statements from Moscow regarding possible strikes on Kyiv and warnings to foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital, which the Albanian government perceived as a direct form of intimidation. Tirana emphasized that such practices go beyond diplomatic norms and create additional tension amid the ongoing war.
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, in a statement on social media platform X, emphasized that the country considers such actions unacceptable and contrary to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, as diplomatic personnel cannot be subjected to political pressure or threats. He also stated: “Threats against embassies are not diplomacy, but intimidation. This is yet another violation of international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Albania will not back down. We remain in Kyiv. We stand firmly on Ukraine’s side. And we will not succumb to intimidation.”
Separately, the Albanian side emphasized that the only realistic path to de-escalation is ending the war and launching a substantive negotiation process based on mutual respect and adherence to international norms, rather than on pressure or ultimatums. Tirana emphasized that it had already officially communicated its position to the Russian ambassador during a summons to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thus, Albania has joined the countries that publicly condemn any threats against diplomatic missions in Ukraine, once again underscoring its support for Kyiv and the steadfastness of its own position regarding Russian aggression.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the country is ready to agree even to a temporary restriction of its national veto right if this helps accelerate accession to the European Union.
On Thursday, May 14, a flag-raising ceremony for three new full members—Albania, Finland, and Sweden—took place at the headquarters of NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) in Tallinn. This expansion has brought the organization closer to its goal of becoming the first center of excellence in which absolutely all Alliance member states are represented.
Albania and the European Union have opened the final—fifth—negotiation cluster regarding the country’s accession to the EU.
