Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region is legitimate, says head of Nato

Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory is legitimate, Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told German weekly paper Welt am Sonntag.

In his first reaction to the advance, Mr Stoltenberg said: "Ukraine has a right to defend itself. And according to international law, this right does not stop at the border."

He also said that Nato was neither informed of Ukraine's plans ahead of time nor involved in their execution.

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Kyiv launched a land invasion on Russian territory on 6 August to divert Russian combat units away from the east of Ukraine.

Ukraine's army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said Ukraine had captured 100 Russian settlements during its three-week-long incursion.

Earlier this week, Forces News reported that the incursion is boosting the morale of Ukrainian recruits undergoing training at secret locations across the UK.

One recruit, a former choreographer known as 'Dancer', said: "It's very motivating, we are happy to know we have a breakthrough."

Ukrainian MP Andrii Osadchuk said the operation has been "extremely successful" and that the West should relax rules over where they can deploy their weapons.

The incursion was discussed at a meeting of the Nato-Ukraine Council on Wednesday.

Mr Stoltenberg who chaired the meeting, said: "Ukraine continues to intercept Russian missiles on a daily basis, saving countless lives. But Ukraine's ability to maintain their defences requires increased supply and more support.

"We must continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment and munitions it needs to defend itself against Russia's invasion. This is vital for Ukraine's ability to stay in the fight."

During the Nato Summit in July, several member countries committed to providing Ukraine with additional strategic air defence systems, such as more Patriot batteries.

Ukraine will receive at least €40bn in security aid over the next year, along with additional co-ordinated security assistance and training.