NATO Chief Acknowledges Ukraine's Progress in Kursk Offensive Amid Uncertain Future

Thursday 05 September 2024 - 16:00

Ukraine has made significant strides in its ongoing Kursk offensive into Russian territory, though the situation’s trajectory remains unpredictable, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg remarked during a press briefing in Oslo on Thursday.

“Only the Ukrainians can make the difficult decisions about where to position their forces and what type of warfare is suitable in these circumstances,” Stoltenberg explained, underscoring the complexities of Ukraine’s military operations.

Russian forces continue to push forward in eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian troops executed a bold incursion into Russia’s Kursk region on August 6. This marks the largest foreign attack on Russian soil since World War Two. Stoltenberg reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to self-defense, including its use of long-range missiles targeting military sites within Russia.

“I’m pleased that several NATO nations have provided this capability, and others with restrictions have relaxed them to ensure Ukraine can defend itself effectively,” Stoltenberg added, highlighting the coalition’s evolving support.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend a meeting of the Ramstein group, a coalition of countries supplying arms to Ukraine—on Friday. Zelenskyy is anticipated to request an increase in weapons deliveries, with a particular emphasis on long-range missile systems. According to the German publication Spiegel, the Ukrainian leader is also pressing for stronger air defense measures and the removal of restrictions that prevent Kyiv from using supplied weaponry for deep strikes into Russian territory.

Addressing broader security concerns, Stoltenberg noted there is no immediate military threat against NATO members. However, he warned of persistent risks including terrorism, cyberattacks, and sabotage, which continue to loom over the region.

As the conflict intensifies, the geopolitical landscape remains fraught with uncertainty, leaving the world closely monitoring how the next phase of the war unfolds.