Global Leaders React to Ukraine's Incursion into Russia's Kursk Region

Ukraine has recently officially confirmed its incursion of the Kursk region in Russia. 

According to the latest data, Ukraine is controlling 74 settlements, about 1,000 km² of the territory of the Russian Federation. Zelenskyy has also stated that hundreds of Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian forces.

Alexander Stubb, President of Finland

Stubb stated at a press conference in Åland on Tuesday, August 13, that Ukraine has full right to defend itself.

“The fact that Ukraine is ultimately defending itself on the Kursk front, having penetrated some 30-40 kilometers into the country, they have every right to do so. We see no reason to restrict the activities of the Ukrainians.”

Stubb stated that Ukraine is permitted to use the weapons supplied by Finland on Russian soil.

"We have no restrictions on what weapons Ukraine can use or how they are employed. The starting point is that Ukraine has every right to defend itself within the framework of international law."

Josep Borrell, European Union Foreign Policy Chief

Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission wrote that the EU fully supports the Ukrainian people’s fight against the Russian invasion.

“Discussed with @DmytroKuleba the last developments on the frontline & the Kursk counteroffensive.

I reiterated the EU full support to the UA people’s fight. Putin hasn’t managed to break UA resistance against his unjustified invasion & is pushed now to withdraw inside RU territory.”

Markus Faber, Head of the Defense Committee of the German Bundestag

“Even a week after the start of the Ukrainian counter-offensive at Kursk the defenders are still gaining ground. The incompetence of Putin's dictatorship could not be more clearly demonstrated. His war of aggression has very visibly failed,” Markus Faber stated on his account on X (formerly Twitter).

“In 2 weeks, Putin wanted to destroy Ukraine. 2 1/2 years later, it still exists, has liberated half of the occupied territories, and is gaining ground from the aggressor. The claim and reality of the murderer in the Kremlin are irreconcilably far apart.“

Sabrina Singh, Deputy Spokesperson for the Pentagon

The Pentagon stated no concern regarding the advance of Ukrainian forces into Russia's Kursk region, according to a statement from the Pentagon's press office.

"At the end of the day, Ukraine is fighting for its sovereign territory that its neighbor invaded. So, if we want to de-escalate tensions, as we've said from the beginning, the best way to do that is Putin can make that decision today to withdraw troops from Ukraine," Singh said.

“We're going to continue to support Ukraine with the capabilities and the systems that they need. We don't feel like this is escalatory in any way. Ukraine is doing what it needs to do to be successful on the battlefield.”

US Senator Lindsey Graham

US Senator Lindsey Graham called Ukraine’s incursion “brilliant“ and “bold“ during his recent visit to Kyiv on August 12.

"What do I think about Kursk? Bold, brilliant, beautiful. Keep it up," Graham told the reporters.