Ukrainian army's operation in Russia's Kursk region is legal - Stoltenberg

He said this in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Reuters reports.

“Ukraine has a right to defend itself. And according to international law, this right does not stop at the border,” Stoltenberg said.

Instead, the NATO secretary general noted that the Alliance did not know about Ukraine's plans in advance and played no role in them.

Stoltenberg also emphasized that Ukraine is risking by advancing into Russian territory. However, according to him, it is Kyiv's decision on how to conduct its military campaign. 

“President Zelenskyy has made clear that the operation aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further Russian attacks from across the border. Like all military operations, this comes with risks. But it is Ukraine's decision how to defend itself,” the Secretary General added.

• The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, said that Russia's response to the Ukrainian military operation in the Kursk region was “slow and scattered”.