Nato chief says Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region is legitimate
“(Ukrainian) President Volodymyr Zelensky has made clear that the operation aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further Russian attacks from across the border,” he said.
“Like all military operations, this comes with risks. But it is Ukraine’s decision how to defend itself.”
Kyiv launched a major cross-border incursion into the Kursk region on August 6, while Moscow’s troops keep pressing towards the strategic hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.
The incursion was also discussed at a meeting of the Nato-Ukraine-Council on Wednesday that was requested by Kyiv amid Moscow’s biggest wave of air attacks on its neighbour.
The council, grouping members of the Western military alliance and Ukraine, was established last year to enable closer coordination between the alliance and Kyiv.
Stoltenberg also welcomed Germany’s commitment to remain Ukraine’s largest European military donor and second-largest worldwide, as Berlin prepares cuts to its aid to Kyiv in next year’s budget.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government came under fierce criticism for the decision last week. He said Germany would continue to supply the Ukrainian military with the equipment it needs.
The Kursk offensive has changed little on the front line in eastern Ukraine, where Russia continues to claim incremental gains, including three villages on Friday.
Zelensky has acknowledged his army faces an “extremely difficult” situation near the strategic hub of Pokrovsk, in the Donetsk region, with Russian troops closing in.
Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse