Mojsilovic: There will be no new "Storm," we are capable of protecting Serbs in Kosovo

There will be no new “Storm,” and the Serbian Armed Forces have the capabilities to protect Serbs and other non-Albanian populations in the territory of Kosovo, Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilovic, stated and emphasized that he is deeply convinced it is in the best interest of both the Serbs in Kosovo and the state to fight for Kosovo as part of Serbia through diplomatic means.

In an interview with Novosti, Mojsilovic said that the security situation in Serbia as a whole is stable, with indicators of potential destabilization in Kosovo. On the global scale, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside confrontations between major powers in diplomatic, economic, and even military spheres, represent challenges even for neutral countries and could negatively affect the situation in the region.

“The Serbian Armed Forces monitor potential threats to Serbia and are capable of adequately responding to all security risks. The understanding shown by state leadership, headed by the Supreme Commander and President of the Republic, has allowed us to significantly improve our capabilities in all areas in recent years. This has created a foundation for the Serbian Armed Forces to be a deterrent force that must be taken into account and, as such, a factor of peace and stability in the region,” Mojsilovic said.

When asked how reliable KFOR is in protecting Serbs and whether rejecting Albin Kurti’s request to deploy the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) to the north after the Ibar-Lepenac canal mining incident signals a return of international forces to their mandate, the general said that Serbia, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, the Military-Technical Agreement, and all other signed agreements, recognizes KFOR as the only legitimate armed formation in Kosovo.

He emphasized that the Serbian Armed Forces, as a credible and reliable partner, consistently adhere to the Military-Technical Agreement and maintain professional cooperation with KFOR at all levels to monitor the situation on the ground, reduce tensions, and prevent the emergence and escalation of crises.

“In all my contacts with the KFOR commander and NATO officials, under whose authority this mission falls, I insist that the international security forces in the province fully and impartially fulfill their mandate and protect Serbs, as well as Serbian cultural, historical, and religious heritage,” the Chief of the General Staff stated.

He also noted that he values as a positive decision the KFOR commander's refusal to allow the deployment of KSF units to northern Kosovo, as requested by Pristina following the explosion at the Ibar-Lepenac canal.

“This was a serious security incident, and we therefore demand that the international community fully investigate the circumstances surrounding this event and determine accountability,” Mojsilovic said.

He reiterated that Serbia firmly stands by its position of military neutrality.

“We are open to cooperation with partners both in the East and the West, aware that such cooperation contributes to maintaining stability and security in our region. I believe there is an understanding in the world for our position,” General Mojsilovic concluded.