The impact of Russia’s brutal war of aggression is far-reaching, and felt across many regions. Concerns over Russia’s influence in the Western Balkans region have intensified since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Having said that, we will not speculate on any hypothetical scenario. KFOR remains focused on its mission, which is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999: to maintain a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo, at all times and impartially. The situation on the ground is calm, but it remains fragile, KFOR said in response to KoSSev’s inquiries regarding the recent report of the The Telegraph on Kosovo.
Could Kosovo be the next Ukraine – with this question, the British Telegraph presented its report on Pristina’s fear of a possible attack by Vučić’s Serbia as Putin’s ally. The media outlet even dispatched its defense editor to the hills in the far north of Kosovo to determine the situation in the field.
„We came to Kosovo to establish whether this could be the next big conflict in Europe. I am standing here on a mountain ridge with the hills of Serbia behind me,“ said the editor of this British media outlet, Danielle Sheridan, wearing what appears to be a bulletproof camouflage vest and gloves, but with no helmet.
The report, Sheridan’s clip from the hills around Leposavić and The Telegraph film received an avalanche of reactions. The majority of which were highly critical of the behavior of the author of this text, and this media outlet in general.
KoSSev reached out to KFOR for comment on the Telegraph’s report.
When asked about whether there is a possibility that Kosovo will become a new Ukraine, that is, that a new conflict could occur, the NATO mission said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has shattered peace in the Euro-Atlantic area and gravely altered the security environment.
“The impact of Russia’s brutal war of aggression is far-reaching, and felt across many regions. Concerns over Russia’s influence in the Western Balkans region have intensified since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”
They still underlined that they refuse to “speculate on any hypothetical scenario”, adding that they remain focused on their mission to maintain a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo.
“KFOR remains focused on its mission, which is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999: to maintain a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo, at all times and impartially.”
Their visible presence on the ground allows them to be prepared for any security challenge.
“We have a flexible, adaptable and visible presence on the ground, which allows us to tackle any security challenge, in line with our UN mandate.”
When asked to comment on the allegations of the Telegraph that the president of Serbia is planning an invasion supported by the president of Russia, KFOR reiterated that they “will not speculate on any hypothetical scenario.”
The mission said they communicate regularly and transparently with all international and local stakeholders.
“And we have made it our priority to foster trust-based communication and coordination.”
They added that they are in close contact with the Serbian Chief of Defense, as well as with the Institutions and security organizations in Kosovo.
“This is important to avoid misunderstandings especially in times of crisis and when tensions are high.”
KFOR did not provide a specific answer to the question on the Kosovo PM’s allegations that Serbia built „operational bases around the border in the shape of a horseshoe to defend Belgrade and attack Kosovo“? Instead, they said the following:
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and work in partnership with local and international authorities to ensure stability and prevent escalation, while continuing to fulfill our UN mandate, at all times and impartially.”
Overall, the situation on the ground is calm, but it remains fragile, they said.
“We are closely following any relevant security developments, including in northern Kosovo through a visible and flexible posture, with regular patrols and engagements with local communities.”
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
