General Schutt: Maintaining stability in the region is a priority for KFOR and Germany; in the spring, 300 Bundeswehr soldiers will be in Kosovo

In the presence of the KFOR commander, General Ozkan Ulutas, and the Commander of the operational command of the Bundeswehr, Lieutenant General Bernd Schutt, Colonel Sven Menger handed over command of the German contingent of KFOR to Colonel Sascha Mies.

"The deployment of KFOR forces in Kosovo has been, is, and remains necessary to maintain stability in this region", Lieutenant General Schutt said at the ceremony marking the handover of duties at the KFOR headquarters in Pristina.

As stated in the Bundeswehr press release, General Schutt stated that participation in the mission in Kosovo directly affected German security interests.

"We will continue to be determined in this mission. Not only because we are convinced of the strategic importance of this region in the heart of Europe, but also because we collectively oppose nationalistic aspirations, violence, and terrorism", General Schutt emphasized.

The press release states that, given the deteriorating security situation in Kosovo, the Bundeswehr is increasing its commitment to participate in KFOR, and reinforcements are expected in the spring.

"In the spring, we will send an additional infantry company into action", Lieutenant General Schutt said.

"Instead of just under 80, almost 300 German soldiers will then be deployed in Kosovo, including support staff. The KFOR mission will become one of the largest Bundeswehr missions", General Schutt stated.

The German company will be a part of a multinational battalion under US command and within the Eastern Regional Command.

German soldiers will collaborate with soldiers from France.

Their task portfolio includes patrols, security tasks, and, if necessary, de-escalation during protests and unrest", General Schutt explained.

KFOR Commander Major General Ozkan Ulutas welcomed the increase in the German contingent.

"The new announcements regarding the deployment of additional troops reflect the determination of NATO allies to ensure that KFOR forces are adequately equipped in the context of tensions in recent months. We will continue to strive to prevent any escalation and are ready to respond to any challenge", the KFOR Commander stated.