NATO Chief Backs Ukraine: ‘Invasion of Russian Territory Was Legitimate Self-Defense'” Alternatively, you could also consider these options: – “Ukraine’s Bold Move: NATO Secretary General Calls Russian Territory Incursion ‘Act of Self-Defense'” – “NATO

This content was published on August 31, 2024 – 07:50

(AFP Berlin, March 30) NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview with German media that Ukraine had every right to launch a surprise invasion of Russia’s Kursk region, which was an act of self-defense.

“Ukraine has the right to defend itself and under international law this right is not limited by borders,” Stoltenberg said in an interview with Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper. Ukraine did not inform NATO of the plan in advance and NATO played no role in it.

He also said that Ukraine had taken the risk of setting foot on Russian territory, but how the Ukrainian army would act was entirely up to Kiev.

“(Ukrainian) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the purpose of this operation is to create a buffer zone to prevent further cross-border attacks by Russian forces… Like all military operations, this one carries risks. But how Ukraine defends itself is its own decision,” Stoltenberg said.

He added: “Russian soldiers, tanks and bases (in Kursk Oblast) are legitimate targets under international law.”

Ukraine launched a massive cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast on May 6, as Russian troops continued to advance on the strategic hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Kiev claims to have taken control of dozens of settlements and more than 1,200 square kilometers of Russian territory.