Kosovo will soon suspend the transit visa regime for Ukrainian citizens and will create conditions for sheltering the families of Ukrainian soldiers, who are in Kosovo within the NATO peacekeeping mission, KFOR, Kosovar media write.

The news was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora in Kosovo, Donika Gërvalla, during a report before the Committee on Foreign Policy and Diaspora.

“Ukrainian citizens on the border with Kosovo can enter without visas, but those who want to stay in Kosovo, will be forced to appear before the competent authorities in order to obtain a residence permit,” said Ms. Gërvalla.

Ukraine has not recognized Kosovo’s independence and there is a visa regime between the two countries.

Minister Gërvalla said that they will create conditions for all family members of Ukrainian soldiers in Kosovo, who want to bring the family to Kosovo. In Kosovo, 40 Ukrainian soldiers serve within KFOR.

Gërvalla also announced that within this week, he will submit the request to the Government of Kosovo for taking concrete measures for the reception of 5,000 refugees from Ukraine.

The Assembly of Kosovo, through a resolution voted on March 3, has asked the Government of Kosovo to allocate a special fund for assistance to Ukraine and, if necessary, to provide accommodation for 5,000 refugees.

/Klara Ruci/