Former American diplomat: Whether US reduces troops in KFOR but supports Kosovo alenaca - Croatia-Albania, Allies Can Be Calm

Kostalancik has said such a thing by raising two-party concern at the US Congress, which has prompted the republican Democrats to warn Secretary Rubio of the side effects such a movement could have.

“They argued that American presence remains a critical obstacle against renewed ethnic escalations between Kosovo Albanians and Serbs. They also warned that a withdrawal could create an opportunity for foreign powers, particularly Russia, to expand their influence in the Western Balkans”, the Kostelic analysis said.

The American expert says the possibility of a withdrawal highlights broader questions about the future of NATO peacekeeping missions and the changing role of the US in European security.

“While policymakers weigh strategic priorities, the debate over KFOR underscores the continued importance and fragility of the Western Balkans”, he writes.

According to him, in light of increased trilateral co-operation between Albania, Croatia and Kosovo, a reduction of KFOR could be interpreted by Serbia and Russia as a sign of the Western disapproval of the three countries' “minilatal”.

Kostalancik, in the end, says Allies can continue to be calm if the US reduces the troops but in the meantime gives support for Kosovo's co-operation with Albania and Croatia.

“On the other hand, if the US withdraws from KFOR, while demonstrating support for co-operation between Albania, Croatia and Kosovo, allies may still be relaxed and regional problems discouraged by the exploitation of any reduction in American military presence”He wrote.