“Ukraine has a right to defend itself and, according to international law, this right does not stop at the border,” Stoltenberg states, emphasizing that NATO was not informed in advance of the Ukrainian plans and did not play a role in them.
The head of NATO acknowledges that Ukraine has taken a risk by advancing on Russian territory, but explains that it is a decision of Kiev. “President Zelensky has made it clear that the operation is aimed at creating a buffer zone in order to prevent further Russian attacks from across the border,” says Stoltenberg. “Like all military operations, it carries risks. But Ukraine decides how to defend itself”, he adds.
For its part, Moscow has announced that it will respond to the Ukrainian “provocation”, while warning the West that it is “playing with fire”.
Ukrainian troops invaded Russia’s Kursk region on August 6 and have been on the move ever since, while Russian forces are stepping up their offensive in eastern Ukraine as they aim to reach the strategic hub of Pokrovsk.
Grand Hotel: The new photos from the filming of the ANT1 series
Weather: Worsening severe weather in five areas – The new EMY forecast
Iraq: 15 ISIS fighters killed in operation by US and Iraqi forces
#Secretary #General #Jens #Stoltenberg #justifies #Ukrainian #invasion #Russian #territory
