KFOR refutes Kurti: No significant changes in Serbian military presence along the administrative boundary line

Following statements by acting Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti regarding an alleged increase in Serbian forces along the administrative boundary line, KFOR has issued a denial. In a response to Gazeta Express, KFOR stated that they had not observed, nor had they been informed of, any significant changes in the presence of Serbian armed forces.

Maqedonci claimed in a May 27 interview with Albania’s A2CNN television that 70% of Serbia’s military capacities were deployed near the boundary with Kosovo. His statement drew significant attention, prompting him to clarify later that this was not new information and that he had mentioned it before.

Kurti also addressed the issue during a government session on May 29, claiming that the increased Serbian military presence was a reaction to the ongoing Defender Europe military exercise, which includes activities in Kosovo. Kurti further speculated that it was unclear whether Serbia acted independently or at Russia’s behest.

However, in its response to Gazeta Express, KFOR refuted both Maqedonci’s and Kurti’s claims. KFOR emphasized that it continuously monitors activities along the boundary and had not noticed, nor been informed of, any major increase in Serbian armed forces in the area recently.

“KFOR continues to maintain a presence and monitor activities along the administrative boundary line, in line with its mandate derived from United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo. KFOR has not observed, nor been notified of, significant changes in the presence of Serbian armed forces along the administrative boundary line,” a KFOR official stated.

The official also noted that, according to existing procedures, the Serbian army is obliged to inform KFOR about any deployment and operational activity near the boundary with Kosovo.

“We expect this practice to continue and rely on their ongoing cooperation in this regard,” the official added in the statement to Gazeta Express.

The KFOR official concluded by saying that the KFOR commander maintains regular communication with military authorities across the Western Balkans, which helps to strengthen mutual understanding of the security situation.