Ulutas: KFOR has good resources, we are commited to preventing any risk of escalation

NATO allies and partners fully support KFOR's daily efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for all communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement at all times and impartially, KFOR commander General Ozkan Ulutas says in an interview with Kosovo Online.

When asked if there is indeed a danger of Serbia invading Kosovo, as representatives of the authorities in Pristina have often repeated in the past, General Ulutas states that KFOR is focused on its long-standing mission based on a clear UN mandate, according to UN Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999.

"And that is to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo and freedom of movement at all times and impartially. Therefore, we constantly monitor all relevant events that could affect security throughout Kosovo and regional stability. We are dedicated to preventing any risk of escalation. KFOR has good resources and is positioned to address all challenges that may affect the security environment, in line with our UN mandate. I remain in close contact with the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army, as well as with institutions and security organizations in Kosovo," the KFOR commander says.

We have often heard in the past that the situation is stable but fragile. Is there an option for KFOR to be the first to react in case of a worsening security situation in northern Kosovo, ahead of the Kosovo Police and EULEX?

I never engage in any speculation about the future. Myself and all KFOR personnel under my command are focused on our mission. KFOR continues to act as the third security responder, in close cooperation with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), who are the first and second security responders. Since May of last year, we have deployed an additional 1,000 soldiers to Kosovo, increased KFOR's presence in northern Kosovo, and tripled the number of patrols, including along the administrative border line. This was the largest reinforcement of our mission in the last decade. These are prudent steps to ensure that KFOR has the forces and capabilities it needs to continue effectively fulfilling its UN mandate.

How dangerous are fake news for the stability of the situation in Kosovo – we often see videos and pictures circulating on social media about the movement of various troops?

We continue to see the spread of fake news, through videos, pictures, and posts on social media. This is irresponsible and dangerous, and it negatively affects the well-being and security of all communities. It is important for everyone to look at the facts and carefully verify their sources. KFOR will continue to play its role, implementing its UN mandate at all times and impartially and maintaining a transparent approach to all people living in Kosovo, through regular patrols, engagement with local communities, and communication with representatives of the local and regional media environment.

You recently attended a Serbian Army exercise in Pester. How do you evaluate the cooperation with the Serbian Army and security structures in Kosovo?

The exercise that I had the opportunity to attend as an observer reflects the effective relationship between KFOR and the Serbian Army over the years, as confirmed by KFOR's observations of past exercises and regular contact with the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army. Regular and transparent communication, also with security organizations in Kosovo, is crucial for the security of all people living in Kosovo and for regional stability.

Is there a planned increase in the number of KFOR personnel by the end of 2024, and how important is the participation of soldiers and neighboring countries that are NATO members in the mission in Kosovo?

I recently visited NATO Headquarters in Brussels, where I met with senior civilian and military NATO officials, including Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, and with ambassadors of all countries contributing troops to our KFOR mission. I briefed the North Atlantic Council on the latest security trends across Kosovo and the Western Balkans region; and on KFOR's priorities in the coming weeks and months. NATO allies and partners fully support our daily efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for all communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially. NATO stays the course. KFOR is a condition-based mission. We will always ensure that our mission remains well-equipped and well-positioned to continue effectively fulfilling its UN mandate as the third security responder, in close cooperation with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission.