Ukrainian servicemen of 2 battalion 92nd brigade prepare to fire a 120-mm towed artillery pieces-mortar 2B16 “Nona-K” which was captured in the battle with the Russian army, towards Russian troops, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, at a position near Bakhmut in Donetsk region, Ukraine January 10, 2024. REUTERS/Inna Varenytsia/File Photo
During a recent visit to Sweden, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated Ukraine’s right under international law to target legitimate military installations within Russia for self-defense purposes. Speaking at a news conference alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a military base near Stockholm, Stoltenberg emphasized Ukraine’s entitlement to self-defense, which includes striking military targets on the territory of the aggressor, in this case, Russia.
Stoltenberg stated, “Ukraine has the right to self-defense. The right to self-defense also includes the right to hit legitimate, military targets on the territory of the attacking party, the aggressor, in this case, Russia.” This declaration comes amid increasing tensions, with the Kremlin warning that Western nations supplying Ukraine with weapons capable of striking Russian territory will face significant repercussions. President Vladimir Putin has indicated potential retaliation by arming adversaries of the West.
Highlighting the nature of the conflict, Stoltenberg asserted, “This is a war of aggression that Russia has begun against a peaceful, democratic neighboring country, Ukraine, which at no point has been a threat to Russia. There is no question that Ukraine has the right to hit targets on Russian territory.”
This stance underscores NATO’s support for Ukraine’s defensive actions while emphasizing the broader context of Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.
COMMENTS