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By Marjana DODA
Editor-in-Chief
In an in-depth and wide-ranging interview with ARGUMENTUM.al, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Albania, H.E. Volodymyr Shkurov, reflects on the ongoing war in Ukraine, the country’s diplomatic and military challenges, and its steadfast determination to defend sovereignty and pursue a just and lasting peace.
He also speaks about Kyiv’s delicate diplomacy between the United States and the European Union, Albania’s role as a reliable partner, and Ukraine’s continued progress toward integration with the EU and NATO.
“This year has been another major test for the Ukrainian people”
According to Ambassador Shkurov, the year has been filled with enormous trials, but also meaningful achievements for Ukraine.
“This year has brought both significant accomplishments and heavy challenges. Among our achievements, I would mention the strengthening of international political support for Ukraine, progress in our path toward European integration, and the practical assistance of our partners in repelling the aggressor, which enables our Armed Forces to defend positions and conduct counteroffensive operations where appropriate.”
He praised the courage and resilience of ordinary Ukrainians: “I would especially highlight the bravery of our soldiers, the selflessness of our emergency service workers, doctors, and ordinary citizens who, with integrity and conscience, continue their work in these difficult times for Ukraine.”
Despite the suffering, he underlined that the country continues to function and reform.
“The European Commission, in its latest reports, recognizes real progress by Ukraine on its path to EU membership — a fact that gives us optimism despite the ongoing war.”
Marjana Doda, Editor-in-Chief-Argumentum.al
“The Trump–Putin meeting was a missed opportunity”
Commenting on the much-discussed meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the war in Ukraine was a key topic, Ambassador Shkurov said that such meetings carry potential but must include Ukraine to be effective.
“Any direct dialogue between leaders of states at war — or influencing it — has the potential to change the situation. However, the real result depends on transparency and, most importantly, on the willingness of the parties to compromise.” “The meeting you mentioned between Presidents Trump and Putin ended without any concrete agreement on a ceasefire, and as a result, no roadmap with security guarantees for Ukraine was drawn up.”
For Ukraine, Shkurov stressed, any peace that implies territorial concessions is unacceptable.
“A temporary ceasefire might have been possible, but pressure on Ukraine to make territorial concessions is unacceptable.”
“Ukraine maintains a delicate balance between the U.S. and the EU”
Asked about differences between the U.S. and Europe in their approaches to the war, Ambassador Shkurov said Ukraine carefully balances its diplomacy to prevent rivalries among allies.
“Ukraine is fully aware of the importance of partnerships with both the United States and Europe. The U.S. provides critical defense technologies and political backing, while the EU, in addition to security assistance, provides large-scale financial and economic support, legal assistance, and tools essential for our European integration plans.”
He emphasized that Ukraine seeks harmony, not competition, between its supporters:
“We aim to minimize any form of confrontation between these partners, demonstrating that a strong, democratic, and European Ukraine is a guarantee of stability for the entire continent and the transatlantic alliance.”
“European support is vital — but coordination must improve”
Ambassador Shkurov described European support as “extraordinarily important.”
“Sanctions, financial aid, arms deliveries, and humanitarian assistance — all these elements are vital for our resistance. Today, when the enemy is massively destroying Ukraine’s energy systems, the support for our cities and villages is literally a matter of survival — water, heating, and electricity.”
Yet he also noted that coordination must become more efficient: “We need clearer coordination, faster decision-making, and well-defined, long-term reconstruction plans.”
He highlighted the importance of using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s rebuilding: “The initiatives discussed at the EU and G7 levels for using frozen Russian assets as a source for Ukraine’s reconstruction require clear legal and political implementation.”
“Ukraine will not surrender any territory — integrity is non-negotiable”
When asked if Ukraine might consider a peace deal that would include giving up occupied regions like Donbas, the ambassador was categorical:
“For Ukraine, territorial integrity is a fundamental principle. We do not regard giving up sovereignty or legitimizing annexations as an acceptable basis for peace.”
He said Kyiv remains open to dialogue, but only within the framework of international law:
“Any peace agreement must be based on respect for internationally recognized borders and on security guarantees for our citizens.”
“Imposed neutrality contradicts our sovereign right”
Addressing Moscow’s demand that Ukraine renounce its NATO aspirations and adopt neutrality, Ambassador Shkurov was equally firm: “Any matter related to our national security must be decided solely by Ukraine itself, without external pressure. Our historical value lies in our right to independently choose the alliances to which we belong.”
He added: “For us, what matters are not declarations of neutrality, but real security guarantees, which could be subject to negotiation — but only with Ukraine’s participation and appropriate international control mechanisms.”
“EU and NATO integration remain strategic goals”
Despite the war, Ukraine continues to move closer to the EU and NATO, Ambassador Shkurov said.
“Ukraine has made noticeable progress in fulfilling the technical and legal requirements for European integration. The European Commission’s latest reports acknowledge our reforms in the judicial system, anti-corruption efforts, and modernization of public administration.”
Still, he admitted that the ongoing Russian aggression remains the main obstacle:
“War consumes vital resources and complicates our path to meeting NATO and EU standards. But the overall dynamic is positive, and steady international support remains decisive.”
“Albania is a steadfast and reliable friend of Ukraine”
The ambassador expressed sincere gratitude for Albania’s consistent support since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
“Albania has been and remains a steadfast partner of Ukraine: from political declarations supporting our sovereignty and territorial integrity, to humanitarian aid and concrete steps taken within NATO and various regional initiatives.”
He emphasized that the recent Security Cooperation Agreement between the two countries “confirms Tirana’s readiness for long-term support,” and he invited further collaboration: “Albania can continue contributing within NATO, support international initiatives on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s benefit, participate in educational and reconstruction projects, and help return kidnapped Ukrainian children deported to Russia.”
“Peace, yes — but not at any price”
Ambassador Shkurov insists that Ukraine will pursue peace only on just terms.
“Peace is our goal, but not peace at any price. Ukraine is ready for compromise only within limits that do not question our constitutional foundations or the security of our citizens.”
Speaking both as a diplomat and as a citizen, he added emotionally: “I understand the pain of loss and, like every Ukrainian, I long for the war to end. However, no sacrifice can mean giving up our fundamental rights or our territorial integrity.”
“Do not let fatigue weaken your support for Ukraine”
Ambassador Shkurov concluded with a heartfelt message to both Ukrainians and the international community:
“The word ‘support’ must translate into concrete and swift actions to ensure effective protection of people, critical infrastructure, and the proper preparation for rebuilding the country.”
To his fellow Ukrainians:
“Your courage, resilience, and determination remain the foundation of Ukraine’s vitality — the guarantee of our victory. We must preserve unity, continue reforms even in wartime, and begin rebuilding wherever possible.”
And to the world:
“I urge our partners not to allow support for Ukraine to fade due to fatigue. The decisions made today in the offices of our allies are vital — they save lives and determine the security of all Europe.”
Read the full interview with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Albania, H.E. Volodymyr Shkurov, on ARGUMENTUM.al
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