President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “Ukraine has never wanted war – but it has every right to defend itself, its independence, and its people. And that is exactly what we are doing – by all means available to us. This right is guaranteed to Ukraine by international law, by the UN Charter, and by simple human common sense.

“Russia has already used thousands of missiles and attack drones against Ukraine. It also uses strategic aviation. Russia has entered into alliances with North Korea and Iran – and is using North Korean and Iranian weapons against our cities and positions: ballistic missiles, attack drones, and artillery. North Korean military personnel – their special forces – are also fighting on Russia’s side against Ukraine. Ukraine has the right to defend itself.

“I am especially grateful to the Security Service of Ukraine for exercising our right to defense – brilliantly exercising it. The most important thing proven by Operation “Spiderweb” is this: the war is now inflicting tangible losses and damage on the aggressor as well. This is justice being restored. And this is pressure toward real peace.”