Stoltenberg comments on Ukrainian operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast for first time

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, in his first statement regarding Ukraine’s Armed Forces' incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, has emphasised that this operation is in line with Ukraine's right to self-defence.

Source: Stoltenberg in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Stoltenberg reiterated that Russia has been waging an unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine for over 900 days, during which it has launched numerous attacks from Kursk Oblast across the border into Ukraine.

Quote: "The Russian soldiers, tanks and bases there [Kursk] are legitimate targets under international law.... According to international law, this right does not stop at the border [with Russia]."

Stoltenberg acknowledged that Ukraine’s Armed Forces' operation in Kursk Oblast involves risks but added, "it is Ukraine's decision how to defend itself".

Stoltenberg also dismissed Kremlin accusations that the West was allegedly informed in advance about the attack on Russian territory.

Stoltenberg stressed that Ukraine "did not preview its planning" of the Kursk operation with NATO in advance, adding that NATO "played no role" there.

Background: 

• It is worth noting that the current NATO Secretary General, who is set to leave office at the end of September, has consistently supported Ukraine's right to strike military targets in Russia.
• As reported by European Pravda, many EU states have supported Ukraine's Armed Forces' operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast. 
• However, not all European countries endorse this advance.

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