Rutte: The U.S. is committed to KFOR and NATO, Trump could have a positive impact on the region

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated today in Pristina that the United States is fully committed to KFOR and NATO and that President Donald Trump could have a positive impact on the region.

"The U.S. is fully committed to KFOR and NATO. You have seen that President Trump is committed to NATO and Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. The U.S. is committed to KFOR, and there is great potential in Trump's presidency because he has initiated dialogue on Ukraine and has the potential to move things forward here as well. The role of the U.S. under Trump in the region still needs to be seen, but knowing him, he could have a positive potential," Rutte said.

Regarding the peace negotiations in Riyadh concerning Ukraine, the NATO Secretary General expressed moderate optimism.

"I am optimistic, but we have to wait and see. Trump has initiated dialogue on Ukraine—I will not predict the outcome, but I am cautiously optimistic."

When asked about Kosovo’s NATO membership, Rutte reminded that four NATO member states do not recognize Kosovo.

"The cooperation between NATO and Kosovo is strong, and KFOR is here to assist and ensure stability. We know that Kosovo’s ambition is to become a NATO member, but this will be a long process, and it would help if we all worked together in the region, including Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to reduce tensions through dialogue. Kosovo is not a NATO member today, but there is close cooperation," he stated.

Rutte also emphasized the importance of "predictable behavior" in the region.

"It is important that all involved parties act predictably. We expect this from all politicians, in Pristina, in the north, and in Serbia—to act in a way that ensures transparency so that no one feels caught off guard. This would help reduce tensions. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, tensions are heightened due to the legal proceedings against Dodik, and regarding tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, I call on both sides to refrain from unilateral actions. I ask this of everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I also discussed it with Vučić, who will be coming to Brussels next week or the week after," Rutte explained.

Now it is not the time to open the Mitrovica Bridge

When asked by Kosovo Online about the relationship between the Serbian community in Kosovo and KFOR, especially following Pristina’s unilateral actions such as closing post offices and social work centers, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that KFOR is there to protect all communities.

"KFOR does not take sides, for example, whether we support only the Serbs or other people. We are here to contribute to stability and security for all communities," Rutte said.

Regarding the opening of the main bridge in Mitrovica, he stated:

"At the moment, we are not yet in a situation where we can move to the next phase and open the bridge—we are not there yet. KFOR is here to ensure that the situation remains stable."

When asked under what conditions the Kosovo Security Force (KBS) could be deployed in the north and whether a new agreement on this issue could be reached, Rutte was clear:

"Regarding the KBS, as long as there is no new agreement, the current one remains in effect, which stipulates that for the KBS to be deployed, the KFOR commander must give permission. As for the Kosovo Police and their deployment near the administrative boundary line, it is expected that they provide timely information about such actions," Rutte stated.