United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of the partially-recognized Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, the White House announced.
During the call, Sullivan voiced Washington's fears about what it described as Serbia's military mobilization near the border with the disputed territory that Serbia claims as its own. He also stressed that the US is ready to "work with our Allies to ensure KFOR [North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-backed peacekeeping Kosovo Force] remained appropriately resourced to fulfill its mission."
Earlier, the White House urged Serbia to withdraw the troops deployed near the crossings with Kosovo. The escalation in Belgrade and Pristina's relations came after an armed confrontation between a group of ethnic Serbian civilians and Kosovar policemen, which resulted in at least four deaths.