NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg arrived at an informal gathering with the heads of foreign services from member states and announced a relocation plan that involves about 700 troops to Kosovo. The information has been circulated by the agency TASS and subsequently echoed by other officials and outlets. Stoltenberg stated that the NATO mission in Kosovo is being adjusted to provide enhanced support for the alliance’s forces on the ground.
He emphasized that the move does not close the door to diplomacy. NATO continues to back negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina under the auspices of the European Union, maintaining that a political path remains open even as additional military measures are considered. The Alliance’s chief underscored that any changes in force posture are designed to bolster the safety and effectiveness of the mission while the political process proceeds.
The plan reportedly involves raising the readiness level of one more multinational battalion so it can deploy to Kosovo if circumstances require. Stoltenberg affirmed that every effort will be made to ensure the Allied Force in Kosovo has the resources and flexibility needed to carry out its mandate. The aim is to sustain stability in the region and support Kosovo Force operations as circumstances evolve on the ground.
Earlier statements from NATO indicated readiness to reinforce allied formations in the area. The alliance reiterated its commitment to a robust, multinational presence that can respond to potential contingencies while continuing to work within the framework of international diplomacy. The details of the deployment are described by officials as a precautionary step intended to deter escalation and to preserve the ability to act decisively should the security situation change.
Observers and analysts note that the decision reflects longstanding NATO practice of adjusting force posture in response to evolving security dynamics. The alliance continues to emphasize that the priority remains achieving a durable, peaceful settlement through dialogue, with military measures acting in support of political objectives and the stability of the broader Western Balkans region.