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Turkey has transferred command of NATO's Kosovo peacekeeping force, KFOR, to Italy at a ceremony held at the force's headquarters in Pristina. The handover passed from Turkish Major General Ozkan Ulutas to Italian Major General Roberto Vergori, after the Turkish and Italian national anthems were played.

The event was attended by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu's office holder Justina Shiroka Pula, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Turkish Chief of General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and NATO Joint Force Command Naples Admiral George M. Wikoff, among other guests. President Shiroka Pula thanked Ulutas for his contribution and said Kosovo aims to advance toward NATO membership, adding that the goal is for the country one day to contribute directly to security, not only benefit from it. She said KFOR's presence and its cooperation with local institutions strengthen public confidence.

Ulutas said it had been an honour to lead NATO's longest-running and currently largest mission, and noted that KFOR provided a secure environment for the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Admiral Wikoff highlighted that troops from more than 30 countries have served in KFOR for over 27 years, contributing to the safety of all communities. Turkey first held the KFOR command in 2023-2024, also under Ulutas, whose second term began on 3 October 2025. KFOR has operated in Kosovo since 12 June 1999 under a UN Security Council mandate, with more than 4,500 personnel from 31 countries; Turkish troops have served in the mission since 1999.

Key Takeaways

• KFOR command was handed from Turkish Major General Ozkan Ulutas to Italian Major General Roberto Vergori in Pristina.
• Kosovo's president said the country aims to become a direct contributor to security through NATO membership.
• KFOR has operated since 1999 with over 4,500 troops from 31 countries; Turkey led the mission twice, most recently from 3 October 2025.