Savkovic: KFOR would continue to function even in the event of a reduction in US military presence

Marko Savkovic of the ISAC Fund told Kosovo Online that there is a possibility the United States could reduce its military presence in Kosovo, but that in such a case KFOR would continue to function with a reorganization of troops and greater participation by other countries, possibly including some from the region.

Commenting on a report by the portal Politico about a US request to reduce NATO missions, including in Kosovo, Savkovic pointed out that the American presence has been reduced several times throughout the history of KFOR’s engagement.

“It seems to me that at this moment there are several options. One is for KFOR to continue to exist as it does now. The zones of responsibility are clearly divided and that composition does not change much. The other, if the Americans truly withdraw, would probably require certain countries to compensate for their presence. There are countries that are naturally interested,” he said.

He states that US officials have begun considering reducing the number of troops deployed abroad because of the NATO mission in Iraq, which he says is less known to the domestic and global public.

“The American approach now is for NATO to focus on what is fundamental, which is the North Atlantic area. Operations outside that area should be taken over by other countries,” Savkovic said, adding that these could also include countries from the region.

In Washington, the interlocutor notes, it is believed that the Kosovo Security Force is becoming increasingly capable, and that Serbia is not in a position to influence the current situation in Kosovo.

“This follows American thinking that the Kosovo Security Force is increasingly capable of overseeing that area and that Serbia is unable to exert influence. Serbia can hardly oppose this because it is quite clear that what is happening now in Kosovo has the support of the international community. Therefore, an outcome in which KFOR changes seems possible to me,” he said.

Speaking about the current US administration, Savkovic stated that its focus has shifted compared to Donald Trump’s first term and that the Western Balkans is not among its priorities.

“The priorities of the US administration are constantly changing, and it is much less predictable in its actions. It is quite clear that, unlike Trump’s first term, this region is not in focus to the same extent now,” Savkovic said.

He points out that Belgrade is not close to the Trump administration, assessing that there is a possibility that Kosovo could further align itself with the US president through participation in the Board of Peace.

“There is also an element of appealing to the vanity of those in power in America, but again, KFOR as such continues to exist. I think it is only a matter of recomposition,” Savkovic concluded.