– Kosova has no other path except cooperation and coordination of actions with America.
Before being engaged as an envoy in the conflict between Kosova and Serbia, Richard “Ric” Grenell was a failed American ambassador to Germany. In fact, Germany had officially requested his removal.
During this time, he was contacted by three wrongdoers—each acting in their own interests—regarding the partition of Kosova: Vučić, Rama, and Thaçi. They asked him to speak with President Trump to support the partition of Kosova, something they had allegedly agreed on beforehand.
For Grenell, this was an ideal situation to transform himself into an important diplomat. Reaching an agreement for a peaceful partition would have been difficult for others to oppose. Cooperation with the corrupt leaders of the Balkans was something he preferred.
Gradually, Grenell turned into a supporter and spokesperson for Serbian hegemonic policies. He misled the Serbs by telling them that Trump, in a second term, would help them return to Kosova. Since Serbs often live with myths and dreams, many of them still believe his empty promises.
He misled Kosova’s opposition by promising to bring them back to power. He is considered to have been one of the main drivers behind the blockade of institutions by the opposition after the February elections. He still misleads the PDK with the claim that Trump will help secure the release of former President Thaçi from prison in The Hague—something that is almost impossible.
The main opponent to the implementation of Grenell’s pro-Serbian policies in the Balkans was and remains Prime Minister Albin Kurti. As an uncorrupted leader who cannot be blackmailed and who is determined to defend the interests of the state, he represents the main obstacle for Grenell.
For this reason, with the help of the LDK, he overthrew the Kurti 1 government and continues to attempt to remove Kurti from politics, interfering unjustly and undemocratically in Kosova’s internal affairs, especially in its free elections.
The announcement by President Trump about removing Grenell from the position of director of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is very good news for Kosova and for peace in the Balkans. His open alignment with the Serbian aggressor undermines the achievement of peace and the resolution of the conflict with Serbia.
The reasons for his removal are varied and are linked to controversial foreign policies, as well as disagreements with members of the Trump administration, including Secretary Marco Rubio, due to differences in approach and his arrogant style. This gives hope that President Trump will not appoint him to another important position—especially not in Balkan affairs.
However, such a possibility remains in the future. For this reason, the Government of Kosova should professionally and through careful diplomacy make it clear to the Trump administration that Grenell is biased and therefore ineffective in resolving problems with Serbia.
At the same time, lobbying activities in Washington and pressure on the Trump administration through the U.S. Congress—so that Grenell is not involved in Kosova and Balkan issues—should be increased and strengthened.
The lesson that emerges from the relationship with Grenell is that America is not immune to the rise of bad politicians and diplomats to important positions—those who do not act in the interests of America and its friendly allied countries like the Republic of Kosova.
Kosova has no other path except cooperation and coordination of actions with America. But diplomats like Grenell, who openly lean toward the enemy should be treated with caution and opposed with justice, facts, and arguments, professionally through diplomacy and lobbying.
Submission is not cooperation, and America does not need weak or servile friends. America respects those who build, strengthen, and defend their own state—especially politicians and leaders who have broad popular support.
Kosova is definitively and permanently aligned with America and the West, while Serbia aligns itself with Russia, Iran, China, and other states hostile to America.