Rutte: We will ensure that KFOR remains strong and capable of fulfilling its mission

2026-03-03 20:08:49, Kosova & Bota CNA

Rutte: We will ensure that KFOR remains strong and capable of fulfilling its

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that the alliance will not allow a security vacuum to be created in the Western Balkans region, emphasizing that the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo will remain "strong and ready for its mission."

Speaking about North Macedonia's role within the alliance, during today's visit to Skopje, Rutte said that stability in the Western Balkans is of strategic importance for NATO.

He thanked official Skopje for its contribution to the KFOR mission in Kosovo, emphasizing that this mission "continues to play a fundamental role in supporting sustainable security, for the benefit of all people living in Kosovo."

"We will continue to ensure that KFOR remains strong and capable of fulfilling its mission," he said, adding that cooperation among allies is essential for shared security.

The KFOR mission was deployed in Kosovo in June 1999, after the end of the war, with the aim of creating a secure environment and preventing a return to violence. It remains NATO's longest-running and one of the largest active operations.

Initially, the multinational force numbered over 50,000 troops, while today it has about 4,700 soldiers. About 590 of them are from the United States.

Rutte's statements come at a time when, in recent months, discussions have increased about the possibility of a review of American engagement in NATO's foreign missions, including Kosovo.

However, the Pentagon said there is no announcement of any change in the deployment of forces in KFOR.

In Kosovo, KFOR continues to be responsible for securing the land border with Serbia and for ensuring a safe environment, especially in the north of the country, where tensions remain present due to the lack of recognition of Kosovo's independence by Serbia./REL