Ukrainian forces breach Russian border, UK backs use of supplied arms
The United Kingdom does not oppose the use of weapons they have provided to Ukraine in the offensive on the Kursk region, the British Ministry of Defense confirmed overnight from Wednesday to Thursday.
10:42 AM EDT, August 15, 2024
There has been no change in the policy of the UK government. According to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Ukraine has a clear right to self-defense against illegal Russian attacks, which does not exclude operations within Russia. During the equipment transfer process, we clearly state that it should be used according to international law, said a spokesman for the British ministry.
Assault on Kursk
About 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers breached the Russian border into the Kursk region a week ago with tanks and armored vehicles under the cover of drones and artillery, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing Russian officials. A state of emergency was declared in the Kursk region on Wednesday, August 7.
The assault continues. Ukrainian forces currently occupy an area of about 386 sq mi. This is the first instance since World War II of any part of Russian territory being occupied by foreign troops.
Russians do not want to defend Kursk. According to private correspondence published on the internet, hundreds of conscripts have been forcibly transported to territories occupied by Ukrainians in the Kursk region.
American media, citing anonymous US government officials, report that Russia is withdrawing some of its troops from Ukraine in response to the offensive started in the Kursk region.
