Image credit:Sky News
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has praised Ukraine’s recent military operations in Russia’s Kursk region, asserting that Ukraine has made significant progress. Stoltenberg emphasized that the offensive, launched in early August, is part of Ukraine’s right to self-defence under international law. He stated that this right “does not stop at the border” and defended Kyiv’s decision to extend its operations into Russian territory.
The offensive, which began on August 6, has been described as a strategic attempt by Ukraine to create a buffer zone to prevent further Russian attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly highlighted this objective, underscoring that the move aims to enhance Ukraine’s security by pushing back Russian forces threatening its borders. While NATO has expressed support for Ukraine’s right to self-defence, Stoltenberg clarified that the alliance was not informed in advance about Kyiv’s plans and is not involved directly in the operations.
This Kursk incursion follows months of intense fighting in the region and comes as Russia intensifies its military efforts across the eastern Ukrainian front. Despite the risks associated with cross-border military actions, Stoltenberg reiterated that the decision on how to defend Ukraine lies squarely with Kyiv.
Russia has condemned the offensive, labelling it a “major provocation” and vowing retaliation. Meanwhile, Moscow continues its aggressive aerial bombardments, particularly in Ukraine’s eastern regions, including heavy strikes on Kharkiv. Ukrainian air defence systems have managed to intercept a significant portion of Russian drone attacks, but the situation remains volatile with ongoing civilian casualties on both sides.
The NATO-Ukraine Council, established in 2023 to strengthen military cooperation, recently convened to discuss the offensive. The council’s role in facilitating dialogue between Kyiv and its Western allies has become increasingly critical as the conflict drags on.