Diplomat and former US ambassador Jonathan Moore said that the United States remains committed to NATO and stressed that the KFOR mission will continue, as it is important both for Kosovo and the wider region.
Moore noted that NATO is the most successful security organization in history and emphasized that while the United States has long been the largest contributor to the alliance, other member states are now expected to increase their contributions.
“Both Democratic and Republican administrations, including President Donald Trump, have been very clear that NATO members need to contribute more — both in terms of defense budgets and the forces allocated to NATO operations, missions, and bases,” Moore said in an interview with Kosovo Online.
He explained that the United States is currently conducting a comprehensive review of its global military presence, led by the Pentagon and the White House, which includes reassessing where American troops are stationed.
According to Moore, the key issue is not the exact number of troops deployed.
“The United States supports NATO and remains committed to the alliance, and that will continue — whether it involves 10 soldiers or 10,000,” he said.
NATO presence in Kosovo will continue
Commenting on reports about a possible US withdrawal from Kosovo, Moore said that NATO will maintain its presence while Washington reviews how it allocates its resources globally.
He stressed that KFOR remains extremely important for the region, including Kosovo and its neighbors.
Moore also pointed out that other NATO forces are already present on the ground, including Italian and Turkish troops, and they will continue their mission even if adjustments are made to the US deployment.
“People should not focus on perceived advantages or disadvantages. They should understand that the commitment to NATO, strongly supported by the United States, will not change,” he added.
Kosovo’s path toward NATO membership
Moore also expressed hope that the political situation in Kosovo will stabilize and that the country will fulfill its obligations toward neighboring states.
He noted that Kosovo aspires to become a NATO member, but progress will depend on political stability and improved diplomatic relations in the region, including some form of agreement with Serbia.
According to Moore, despite ongoing reviews of US defense spending and troop deployments abroad, the fundamental commitment of Washington to NATO remains strong.
