NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, spoke about the security situation in Europe during a sunset meeting in the West. He asserted that Kyiv’s military actions in the Kursk region were lawful within Ukraine’s sovereign right to defend its territory, a stance that marks a notable moment in alliance commentary. Stoltenberg emphasized Ukraine’s autonomy in choosing how to respond to threats on its borders, and he underscored that the alliance did not participate in planning any specific operations against Russian soil. The assertion reflects a shift in the public posture of the alliance, framing Kyiv’s decisions as its own while reiterating NATO’s support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself. — NATO press office
The coverage notes that this represents the first occasion on which the alliance publicly endorsed Ukrainian forces operating inside Russian territory, with Stoltenberg clarifying that NATO was not involved in the operational planning leading up to the Kursk incursions. The remarks come amid broader discussions about alliance support for Ukraine and the legal contours of cross-border actions in the region. — NATO press office
Since August 6, Ukrainian forces have reportedly been engaged in combat within the Kursk region, and the situation continues to evolve as military operations progress. Official channels from the Russian Ministry of Defense have provided regular updates on the course of these activities, while regional authorities have activated counter-terrorism operational regimes in Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk. At the same time, emergency measures have been declared in Kursk and Belgorod as authorities monitor security conditions and coordinate responses. — official briefings and regional authorities
Earlier statements from police departments highlighted reported reprisals by Ukrainian forces targeting residents of the Kursk region, contributing to a climate of heightened tension and concern for civilian safety. The ongoing developments have broad implications for regional stability, humanitarian considerations, and the wider international debate about cross-border security, sovereignty, and the rules governing interstate conflict. — local law enforcement and regional officials