Kosovo is among the countries that have been the subject of numerous speculations regarding the possibility of the withdrawal of U.S. troops, which are part of KFOR, following Donald Trump's return to the helm of the United States. Both local and international media have reported on this possibility.
On February 19, 2025, the German media outlet “Bild” published an article titled "Europe in Fear! Intelligence Agencies Fear the Withdrawal of U.S. Troops." In the content of this article, Bild wrote: "According to BILD's information, Italy is also preparing for a possible withdrawal of U.S. troops from Kosovo. In that case, European allies would be alone in the Balkans against Putin's friend, Aleksandar Vucic, and his powerful Serbian army." This news has also been shared by local media such as Telegrafi.com, Oranews.tv, Noa.al, Ntv.al, 360grade.al, Shekulliagency.com, Albanian.trtbalkan.com, Zeri.info, Gazeta.al.
The Ministry of Defense of Kosovo has denied the claim made by the German media outlet, calling it disinformation.
"This news, circulated by several websites and television channels, is disinformation spread by external actors aiming to destabilize the country and the Western Balkans," the Ministry of Defense stated. According to them, there is continuous coordination with the U.S. for every decision, as well as weekly communication with KFOR.
KFOR has also reacted to this matter.
"Our commitment to stability across the Western Balkans remains unwavering. KFOR continues to implement its mandate—based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999—to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and to ensure freedom of movement, at all times, impartially, and in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, in their respective roles as security responders. The United States continues to play a fundamental role within KFOR through its long-standing contribution, which currently amounts to over 600 troops," KFOR stated.
NATO intervened in 1999 to end the war in Kosovo. After the Rambouillet Conference failed to yield any results, a bombingcampaign was launched against Serbian military and police targets, lasting 78 days. Serbia was forced to withdraw from Kosovo following the Kumanovo Agreement on June 9, 1999. After Serbia's withdrawal, in June 1999, NATO deployed its peacekeeping mission, KFOR. The United States has played a key role in Kosovo’s liberation and in maintaining peace, with its base in Bondsteel.
*This article is published as part of the Western Balkans Regional Initiative against disinformation. “Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub: exposing malign influences through watchdog journalism.”
