Deputy Chief of Staff Operations visited Kosovo

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations of the Finnish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Kari Nisula inspected the Finnish troops in the Kosovo Force (KFOR) operation in Kosovo on 5–6 August 2026.

The visit began on 5 August at the KFOR headquarters, Camp Film City in Pristina, with a meeting with the Commander of the KFOR crisis management operation, Major General Özkan Ulutaş. The main topics of the meeting were the security situation in Kosovo, the operation’s effectiveness and impact in the region, and the future prospects of the operation.

In addition to meeting Major General Ulutaş, Lieutenant General Nisula also met with other personnel at the operation headquarters. He also visited Camp Bondsteel, where he met Colonel John Sargeant, Commander of the operation’s eastern sector.

– The security situation in Kosovo is currently relatively stable. Both the operation commander and the commander of the eastern sector expressed their appreciation for the work carried out by the Finns in the operation. Finland’s participation in this NATO operation is considered important, and the capabilities provided by the Finnish contingent, particularly in clearance operations and protection, are regarded as significant, Nisula said regarding the discussions.

On Wednesday, 6 August, Lieutenant General Nisula inspected the Finnish engineer platoon and the national support element at Camp Novo Selo. During the day, Lieutenant General Nisula familiarised himself with the units’ activities, including an obstacle-clearance exercise and the work of the protection team as it inspected a storage facility for hazardous industrial chemicals.

_{Lieutenant General Nisula inspected the Finnish engineering unit.}

_{The protection team checked the storage site for hazardous industrial chemicals.}

Following the inspection, Lieutenant General Nisula stated that the Finnish contingent, composed of Defence Forces personnel and reservists, demonstrated excellent expertise and presented an excellent overall impression. He also emphasised the key importance to the operation of the capabilities provided by the contingent.