Ulutash: USA, key pillar of KFOR for security and stability in Kosovo and the region

Ozkan Ulutash, commander of the KFOR mission, stressed that the United States of America represents a key pillar of the contribution within this force in Kosovo. He made the statement during an interview with Info Magazine on Klan Kosova.

Asked about the impact that the optimization process will have on the presence of American troops within KFOR, Ulutash gave a clear answer.

“The United States continues to be a critical contributor to KFOR and is fully committed to continuing its support for long-term security throughout the territory of Kosovo, as well as for stability across the entire Western Balkans. Both I and all KFOR personnel under my command are fully dedicated to our mission,” he stated.

Regarding future cooperation with the Kosovo Police and the Kosovo Security Force after the finalization of this optimization process, the KFOR commander provided additional details.

“First, KFOR already has early, close, and efficient coordination with the Kosovo Police and EULEX, as security responders. This interaction is essential to continue ensuring and guaranteeing a calm and safe environment for all residents of Kosovo. As for the KSF, our support remains focused on this force’s original mandate for civil defense. This is achieved primarily through a specific and complementary NATO-led mechanism, known as the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team, which is located alongside KFOR headquarters at Camp Film City,” Ulutash declared.

He added that this cooperation will move forward without interruption. “Most recently, together with EULEX, we conducted a joint exercise called ‘Golden Sabre 2026.’ It gave us the opportunity to assess all crisis management capacities, capabilities, and procedures across a wide range of security scenarios, including those involving the safe handling and neutralization of explosive and hazardous devices,” the KFOR Commander concluded.