NATO Backs Ukraine's Right to Kursk Incursion, Stoltenberg Confirms

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has confirmed Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region is justified under international law. Despite acknowledging risks, he emphasized Ukraine's right to self-defense, noting NATO was not involved in the operation. The incursion aims to create a buffer zone against Russian attacks.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has formally endorsed Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region, asserting it is covered by Kyiv's right to self-defense. This was Stoltenberg's first public reaction to the cross-border operation.

Stoltenberg disclosed to German weekly Welt am Sonntag that the organization had no prior knowledge of the operation and played no role in its execution. He acknowledged the risks involved but underscored that it is Kyiv's decision on how to conduct its military strategies.

The operation, launched on August 6, aims to establish a buffer zone to prevent further Russian assaults, as confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Russia termed the move a 'major provocation' and vowed to retaliate.

(With inputs from agencies.)