In 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, eight years after a NATO bombing campaign in 1999 aimed at halting the ethnic cleansing campaign of ethnic Albanians by the Milosevic regime. The Serbian armed forces of Yugoslavia had systematically targeted ethnic Albanians following the arrival of Milosevic on top of Yugoslavia in 1989. Serbia is responsible for the death of nearly 250,000 people across the Balkans within one decade.

Despite the declaration of independence, Serbia, Russia, China, and five European Union member states do not recognize Kosovo as an independent state, while around 110 countries do recognize its independence.

It is worth noting that it was the war in Kosovo that gave me the motivation to become a photojournalist. This personal connection is why I continue to focus on matters related to human, civil, and political rights and liberties, political turmoil, and war, and I always bring this passion and expertise to any coverage related to Kosovo.

Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.