KFOR commander says Türkiye among top contributors to NATO Kosovo mission

NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) Commander Maj. Gen. Ozkan Ulutas said Türkiye is among the leading contributors to the mission, noting that Turkish personnel serve at multiple operational levels supporting security and stability in Kosovo.

Speaking to Anadolu at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Ulutas said KFOR continues its mission in Kosovo under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, with the primary aim of maintaining a safe and secure environment and ensuring freedom of movement.

Stressing the importance of KFOR’s presence for regional stability, Ulutas said the mission works in coordination with key stakeholders including the Kosovo Police, the Serbian Armed Forces, the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), and other international actors.

He noted that KFOR also maintains close contact with community representatives and civil society organizations across Kosovo, contributing positively to stability and freedom of movement on the ground.

‘We continue to be a contributor and provider of stability’

Speaking about the effects of the fact that a president has not yet been elected in Kosovo, Ulutas said: “The security environment in Kosovo is currently calm. We cannot say that it has fully reached a stable environment. The main reason here is that there are still unresolved issues. In this context, elections in domestic politics do not directly affect the security environment.”

He emphasized that KFOR continues to operate under its UN mandate with a strong and flexible presence across Kosovo, closely monitoring developments through its situational awareness capabilities and liaison teams embedded within local communities.

“We continue to be a contributor and provider of stability,” he said, highlighting that political progress remains essential for resolving outstanding issues, particularly through the EU-facilitated Belgrade–Pristina dialogue process.

‘Türkiye contributes to KFOR at every level’

Commenting on Türkiye’s role within KFOR, Ulutas said Ankara remains among the highest contributors at all operational levels.

“Our country is among the top contributors to KFOR. We have personnel both at headquarters level and field monitoring teams,” he said.

He added that Türkiye also maintains an infantry company deployed on the ground conducting patrol and surveillance activities.

Beyond military presence, Ulutas highlighted Türkiye’s involvement in civil-military cooperation activities.

“There are also activities conducted under civil-military cooperation, with direct engagement with the local population. Our soldiers operate in a highly visible manner, in a very professional and disciplined way, well-trained and equipped to a high standard,” he said.

“Türkiye contributes to KFOR at every level,” he added.

‘A privilege to serve twice’

Ulutas also described his second appointment as KFOR commander as a privilege, recalling that he assumed command in September 2023 during a period marked by security incidents.

“Since then, we have not witnessed similar incidents, which is positive. We continue our efforts to maintain this environment,” he said.

KFOR’s regional role

Highlighting NATO’s broader role in the Balkans, Ulutas said the region holds strategic importance for the alliance.

“KFOR not only contributes to security in Kosovo but also to stability across the entire Balkan region, which in turn supports stability in the Euro-Atlantic area,” he said.

He added that decisions regarding KFOR’s future are made by NATO’s North Atlantic Council based on evolving conditions.

*Writing by Fatma Zehra Solmaz from Istanbul*