KFOR Commander, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, has stated that the security situation in Kosovo is currently stable. He said his first mandate at the head of KFOR began shortly after serious security incidents in northern Kosovo in 2023 and the subsequent increase of KFOR’s presence on the ground.
“We have not seen a repetition of the same level of violence. But we remain vigilant and well prepared. KFOR continues to monitor the situation across Kosovo to ensure the maintenance of a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, in line with our long-standing mandate based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999,” Ulutaş was quoted as saying in a KFOR statement for TV Most.
He also said that the security situation in northern Kosovo is currently calm, but not fully stable.
“From our perspective, the transition process from outgoing mayors to incoming ones has been carried out peacefully. KFOR continues to play its role by providing a security framework and space for political dialogue to move forward. This is essential 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 parties choose diplomacy instead of violence,” he said.
According to him, KFOR continues to fully and impartially implement its UN mandate to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people in Kosovo, including the Serb community.
“This is always our focus. Our commitment to the mission is unwavering,” he said, adding that in response to the 2023 violence, KFOR increased patrols and activities in northern Kosovo and maintains a visible and flexible presence across the country.
Ulutaş also stressed NATO’s continued strong support for the EU-facilitated Dialogue as the only framework for resolving outstanding issues between Belgrade and Pristina, calling on both sides to engage in good faith and implement existing agreements.
He further noted close coordination between KFOR, the Kosovo Police, and EULEX, emphasizing transparency and communication to prevent misunderstandings. He added that KFOR also maintains a presence at the Visoki Dečani Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which remains under its protection.
Regarding the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), he said NATO has supported its development through advisory and liaison teams, while noting that procurement and bilateral cooperation agreements fall outside KFOR’s mandate.
