For more than 25 years, NATO’s mission in Kosovo (KFOR) has ensured security in the region. However, amid signals from U.S. officials about a possible reduction in military presence in Europe, questions arise about the future of American troops in Kosovo and whether President Donald Trump’s administration might seek political concessions in exchange for maintaining them.

The U.S. Department of Defense has told Radio Free Europe that there are currently no changes in the positioning of forces. However, former NATO officials warn that Kosovo must be prepared for any scenario, especially as tensions in the Balkans remain high.

The KFOR mission in Kosovo began in June 1999, following the signing of the Kumanovo Agreement, which led to the complete withdrawal of Serbian forces. Initially, KFOR had around 50,000 troops, but today, that number has been reduced to approximately 4,600.

Former senior NATO official Jamie Shea has emphasized that President Trump may adopt a transactional approach to military missions, potentially demanding political concessions from Kosovo in exchange for the continued presence of U.S. troops.

On the other hand, former Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Kadri Kastrati, stresses that Kosovo is not yet capable of defending itself independently, making KFOR’s presence crucial for the country’s security.