Stoltenberg Stresses Ukraine's Right to Self-Defense by Striking Deep Into Russian Territory

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized Ukraine’s right to strike Russian territory at a press conference on July 10, after the Euro-Atlantic Council meeting. 

"Under international law, Ukraine has the right to self-defense," Stoltenberg said. "We are helping Ukraine to realize its right to self-defense by supplying weapons and equipment, including long-range missiles, in particular, ATACMS. The right of self-defense includes the right to strike legitimate military targets on the territory of the aggressor, Russia," Stoltenberg said.

Chris Smith, US Deputy Assistant Secretary, stated that the US is in talks with Ukraine regarding granting permission to use American long-range weapons for strikes on the territory deep into Russia. 

Stoltenberg praised the US decision to ease constraints on the deployment of long-range missiles within Russian territory, giving renewed Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region and ongoing combat along the front line.