Stoltenberg addresses Ukrainian offensive in Kursk for the first time

In his first public remarks on the recent Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underscored that the action aligns with Ukraine's right to self-defence.

Stoltenberg made these comments during an interview with a German newspaper, as per Caliber.Az. 

He asserted that, under international law, Ukrainian attacks on Russian soldiers, tanks, and military bases are legitimate targets. He added that international law extends beyond Ukraine's borders, thereby justifying the operation.

Acknowledging the risks associated with the Ukrainian military action, Stoltenberg stated that it is ultimately up to Ukraine to determine its defence strategies.

The NATO Secretary General also refuted claims from the Kremlin suggesting that NATO had prior knowledge of the offensive. He emphasized that Ukraine did not consult NATO in advance about the planning of the Kursk operation, and thus, NATO had no involvement in the attack.

The Kursk region in Russia was heavily targeted by Ukrainian forces on August 6, leading to the declaration of a federal state of emergency. Efforts are underway to evacuate residents from the affected border areas. According to the Russian Emergencies Ministry, 197 temporary accommodation centres across 28 Russian regions are now providing shelter to over 11,500 people from Kursk, including more than 3,500 children.