NATO announced today that it will gradually reduce the number of KFOR personnel in Kosovo over the coming year, stating that the improved security situation allows for the “optimization” of the mission.
Although the statement does not explicitly mention a withdrawal of KFOR from Kosovo, nor the termination of its mandate, the Alliance announces an adjustment of the current troop levels and “carefully measured reductions” of forces.
In a subsequent clarification for KoSSev, KFOR spokesperson Antonio Petralia confirmed that the decision on withdrawal does not refer to reserve forces, whose engagement has already been completed, but to the overall KFOR forces.
In a statement from NATO Supreme Headquarters in Brussels today, it is noted that the security situation in Kosovo has continuously improved over recent years, which is why the mission will enter a process of “optimization” in the coming year.
“As the security situation in Kosovo remains largely stable, NATO will optimize KFOR’s posture in Kosovo and gradually adjust its current troop levels over the coming year,” the statement reads.
The Alliance recalls that after an increase in tensions and violence in 2023, including attacks on KFOR members in Zvečan, the mission received its largest reinforcement in more than a decade, with nearly 1,000 additional soldiers.
In January this year, NATO already suspended the deployment of reserve forces that had been rotated into KFOR for more than two years.
“The security situation in Kosovo has continued to improve over recent years. Accordingly, NATO suspended the deployment of reserve forces into KFOR in January after more than two years of continuous rotations.”
At the same time, the statement announces for the first time a reduction in the current size of the mission.
“It is expected that carefully measured reductions will follow through national rotation cycles and redeployments between now and next year.”
However, NATO does not explicitly state anywhere that KFOR will leave Kosovo or that it plans to terminate the mission.
On the contrary, it emphasizes that KFOR will continue to carry out its mandate of maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.
“Given that the security situation is now stable, KFOR’s posture can be adjusted while still effectively maintaining a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo, as well as freedom of movement, at all times and in an impartial manner.”
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“No security vacuum”
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich, stated that the Alliance remains firmly committed to security in Kosovo.
“NATO and KFOR are fully committed to security and safety in Kosovo.”
He assessed that current conditions provide an opportunity for further optimization of the mission.
“Current conditions provide an opportunity for further optimization of the size and posture of KFOR.”
At the same time, he emphasized that NATO will not allow a security vacuum in the Western Balkans.
NATO also leaves a safeguard in the part of the statement noting that the process could be halted or changed if security conditions deteriorate.
“Optimization will proceed gradually and in line with conditions on the ground, and may be reversed if relevant security developments require it.”
Grynkewich’s statement comes just two days after his visit to Belgrade and meeting with Vučić, and on the 27th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1244.
Decision refers to overall KFOR forces
KoSSev requested additional clarification on this matter from KFOR spokesperson Antonio Petralia.
As he noted in his response to KoSSev, today’s statement was not issued by KFOR, but by NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
Petralia clarified that the announced optimization does not refer to reserve forces, as their deployment had already ended earlier this year.
“Reserve forces have already been withdrawn. The announced optimization refers to the overall KFOR forces,” Petralia briefly stated in his response to KoSSev.
He also reiterated that KFOR remains committed to its mandate and continues to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all communities in Kosovo.
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Source: N1; Foto: Printscreen YouTube / e – Mësimi