Grynkewich: KFOR demonstrates the Mission’s success, but the main solutions are political

NATO General Alexus Grynkewich stated today, speaking about the security situation in Kosovo, that the Alliance remains committed to security in the Balkans and that KFOR demonstrates the success of its mission, but that the primary solutions are political. He also noted that the security situation in Kosovo has been relatively stable over the past several years, RTS reported.

Grynkewich emphasized that the Alliance is fully concerned with stability in the Balkans, in Kosovo, and throughout the Western Balkans.

"We are committed to that security, and some time ago I discussed the situation in Kosovo and the broader region with your leadership in Serbia. Fundamentally, we must maintain that stability, bearing in mind everything that has taken place here over the past years. Across NATO, we are constantly looking at how to optimize what we do in different locations and across different missions," the general said.

According to him, the good news is that the security situation in Kosovo has been relatively stable over the past couple of years.

He noted that KFOR demonstrates the success of that mission, but stressed that the key solutions are political and that efforts are focused on creating the conditions necessary for political success.

According to Grynkewich, the United States is a global power with global responsibilities in Europe, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

"We continually assess whether we have the right forces in the right places and how best to respond and fulfill our global responsibilities. As we make those adjustments, we work closely with our European allies to ensure that they can step in where the United States is making adjustments, both through their engagement and through the engagement of Europe’s industrial base. NATO remains prepared and capable of defending the territory of every member state," Grynkewich said in an interview with RTS.

The first-ever joint exercise between Serbia and NATO was recently held, which many consider an important step in cooperation. At the same time, the Platinum Wolf exercise is currently being conducted for the eleventh time with the support of the United States European Command.

"I would truly like to thank the Serbian Armed Forces for being exceptional hosts during joint exercises with NATO. We are entering the twentieth year of partnership with Serbia, and this only demonstrates the strength of that partnership as we continue to build interoperability. We seek to do so in order to maintain the option of cooperating with NATO in areas of mutual interest," General Grynkewich emphasized.

Speaking about the prospects for achieving peace in Ukraine, he said that it remains one of U.S. President Donald Trump’s top priorities.

"As we all know, this has gone on for far too long. It is now entering its fifth year, and the President is committed, as am I, to trying to bring this brutal war to an end. As for the prospects for negotiations, if anyone can end this war, it is President Trump," Grynkewich said.

He added that Trump is the only person capable of doing so, given his ability to bring both sides together and reach an agreement.

Grynkewich also stated that NATO remains focused on threats from all directions, including terrorist groups that could create instability in Europe and originate from Africa.

Asked whether there is a realistic possibility of a direct conflict between NATO and Russia, or whether such a scenario remains unlikely, the general replied that his job is to prevent such a conflict from occurring.