The Serbian government has announced its intention to formally request the commander of the NATO-led international forces in Kosovo and Metohija, KFOR, to allow the Serbian army and police to return to Kosovo. The statement came from the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, who outlined the plan in a public address. He indicated that the request would be transmitted first electronically this evening and then, at the earliest opportunity tomorrow, through the appropriate administrative channels at the crossing points, with the chief of staff or designated representatives forwarding the message directly to the KFOR commander in charge of the mission.
Vučić emphasized that the decision to pursue this request was made after broad consultation and with a sense of collective responsibility. He also acknowledged the possibility that the KFOR leadership might not grant the request, expressing a conditional acceptance of that outcome while underscoring Serbia’s commitment to pursuing the channels provided by the existing framework. He asserted that the effort is aimed at restoring a presence on Kosovo and Metohija consistent with international mandates and with the mutual understanding reached in prior discussions.
The proposed repatriation would involve a measured return of a specified number of personnel from the Serbian armed forces and police, with a cap that could reach up to one thousand individuals. This move would be conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, which governs the administration and security framework in Kosovo under the auspices of international oversight. The aim is to reinforce legitimate authority and public order while maintaining a stable, peaceful environment for local communities and for international actors on the ground.
In related developments, remarks from the Russian ambassador to Serbia, Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, have circulated, suggesting that the existing Brussels agreements concerning Kosovo might be used as a pretext to arm Pristina. The ambassador stressed that Belgrade remains committed to upholding and implementing the agreements that have already been signed, and he indicated that any claims of additional arms shipments would require careful verification against the terms of the agreements and the ongoing processes designed to ensure regional stability. The Serbian leadership has signaled its intent to adhere to these international understandings while pursuing the fresh request through the appropriate diplomatic and security channels.