Ulutas: Stability in Kosovo depends on diplomacy, not violence

The Commander of KFOR, Major General Ozkan Ulutas, assessed that the security situation in Kosovo is currently stable, but emphasized that KFOR is monitoring developments on the ground in order to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people living here.

In an interview with TV Most, General Ulutas stressed that NATO strongly supports the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue under the auspices of the EU as the only framework for resolving outstanding issues. He also called on all sides to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated dialogue to normalize relations between Belgrade and Pristina, noting that the path to lasting stability is political, not military.

Speaking about the security situation, Ulutas also referred to the period of his first mandate at the head of the KFOR mission, noting that, from today’s perspective, there has been no violence of the intensity seen in 2023.

“The security situation in Kosovo is currently stable. My first mandate at the head of the KFOR mission came immediately after serious security incidents in northern Kosovo in 2023 and the subsequent increase of KFOR’s presence on the ground. Since then, we have not witnessed a recurrence of violence of that intensity. However, we remain vigilant and appropriately deployed. KFOR continues to monitor the situation across Kosovo to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people living there, as well as freedom of movement, in line with our long-standing mandate based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244,” Ulutas said.

Asked how he assesses the situation in northern Kosovo following the local elections and the assumption of office in municipalities in the north by legitimately elected mayors, political representatives of Serbs from the area, Ulutas said that the situation is calm, but not fully stable.

“The security situation in northern Kosovo is currently calm, but it is still not fully stable. From our perspective, the handover process between outgoing and incoming mayors proceeded peacefully. KFOR continues to contribute by providing a security framework and space for the continuation of political dialogue. This is crucial for achieving sustainable solutions that benefit all communities. The path to long-term stability is political. Stability in Kosovo and the region depends on whether all sides choose diplomacy rather than violence,” Ulutas said.

Recalling the events of 2023, the KFOR commander noted that the mission ensures a safe environment for all people in Kosovo and maintains a visible presence throughout the territory.

“KFOR continues to fully and impartially implement its United Nations mandate to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people in Kosovo, including the Serbian community. That is always our focus. Our commitment to the mission is firm. In response to the unjustified violence in 2023, we increased the number of activities and patrols in northern Kosovo. We are regularly present there and maintain contacts with all relevant actors to ensure timely information exchange and transparency. Overall, KFOR maintains a visible and flexible presence throughout Kosovo,” he said.

Regarding the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, the KFOR commander said that NATO strongly supports it, emphasizing that the path to long-term stability is essentially political.

“NATO continues to strongly support the EU-facilitated dialogue as the only framework for resolving outstanding issues and achieving solutions that respect the rights of all people. Although KFOR makes an important military contribution to maintaining a safe environment, the path to long-term stability is essentially political. It is necessary for both Belgrade and Pristina to engage in good faith in implementing already agreed arrangements,” Ulutas said, adding that NATO continues to strongly support the EU-facilitated dialogue aimed at normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

“KFOR will continue to contribute to this important process. At the same time, it is crucial that both sides participate fully and constructively in this framework. Ultimately, stability must benefit all communities in order to be lasting,” he added.