Ukrainian diplomats have declared that the ongoing Ukrainian offensives into Russian territory are “legitimate” and will cease if Moscow agrees to a “just peace” and ends its invasion of Ukraine.
No Intention of Annexing Territory
According to Ziare the comments, made by Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tihiy on August 13, reflect the country's stance that their operations are a defensive measure rather than an aggressive campaign.
Tihiy emphasized that Ukraine has no intention of annexing Russian territory.
Instead, the Ukrainian goal is to safeguard its citizens from ongoing attacks. He pointed out that since the beginning of summer, over 2,000 hostile strikes from the Kursk region have targeted Ukraine’s Sumy region, utilizing guided bombs and missiles.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed that Ukraine’s limited capacity to conduct long-range strikes means its forces are compelled to operate within Russian territory to neutralize threats and defend against what he described as “terror.”
International Partners Remain Vigilant
He argued that the operation in Kursk is crucial for Ukraine’s security and is necessary to prevent further Russian troop deployments in the Donetsk region, complicating the enemy’s logistics.
Tihiy also raised concerns about potential Russian provocations, including the possibility of Russian soldiers disguising themselves as Ukrainians to fabricate incidents that could be used to accuse Ukrainian forces of violating international humanitarian law.
He urged international partners to remain vigilant against such propaganda tactics.
The Ukrainian government remains firm that peace will only be achievable through Russia’s commitment to a fair resolution, underscoring the strategic and defensive nature of its operations in the Kursk region.
