NATO: Kosovo Airspace to Remain Open to Russian Planes

NATO, KFOR Kosovo (BETAPHOTO/ARMENIJA ZAJMI BESEVIC/EV)

An unnamed NATO official has told the Pristina-based TV station Klan Kosova that Kosovo's airspace will remain open to Russian airplanes. The Kosovo authorities had previously asked KFOR, the Alliance's local peace force, to stop Russian aircraft from flying over Kosovo.

"Kosovo's airspace remains open. In keeping with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999, the commander of KFOR retains primary authority over the use of airspace over Kosovo. KFOR remains fully focused on enacting its mandate to ensure a safe environment and freedom of movement for all communities living in Kosovo," the NATO official said.

Germany's ambassador to Kosovo, Joern Rohde, concurrently stated that KFOR is monitoring the security situation in Kosovo and that there are no signs that the territory is currently in any danger.

Asked to comment on the situation in Kosovo in the wake of Russia's aggression against the Ukraine, Rohde further told Klan Kosova that KFOR was Kosovo's strong partner. "KFOR is following the situation and I guarantee you that there are currently no signs of danger," Rohde concluded.