In a historic session held on February 17, 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo voted to unilaterally declare independence from Serbia. This decision emerged after a protracted period of conflict and negotiations that included the Kosovo War of the late 1990s and subsequent international interventions. Kosovo's population, predominantly ethnic Albanians, sought to establish a government that reflected their identity and aspirations after decades of oppression and conflict under Serbian rule. The declaration was read by Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, who emphasized a commitment to democracy and multi-ethnic cooperation. The declaration included a commitment to the principles enshrined in the European Union and the United Nations. The unilateral nature of the declaration caught the attention of numerous nations worldwide. Following the announcement, a wave of international recognition began, led primarily by the United States and numerous European Union countries. However, several states, including Russia and China, as well as Serbia, rejected Kosovo's independence, arguing it violated Serbia's territorial integrity and international law. The complex geopolitical ramifications of this declaration ignited intense debates concerning self-determination, international recognition, and the stability of the Balkans region, which had only recently emerged from years of violent conflict and ethnic tensions.