Ukraine invites UN, Red Cross to join humanitarian response in Russia’s Kursk region

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine on Monday invited the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to join “humanitarian response measures” in Russia’s border region of Kursk, where Kyiv launched a military operation over a month ago.

A statement by the Foreign Ministry said it appealed to the UN to join the “humanitarian response measures” in the region and sent a corresponding note, while it also sent a similar note to the ICRC to join the measures and monitor compliance with the principles of international humanitarian law in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention.

The statement said Ukraine adheres to its obligations in the field of international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians, in parts of the Kursk region under its control.

It said civilians in the region have received and are receiving humanitarian aid, besides being provided the opportunity to leave the conflict area.

“Ukraine confirms its unwavering adherence to international obligations in the mentioned areas and is ready to provide comprehensive assistance to the activities of UN and ICRC employees in the specified territories,” the statement added.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X that he instructed his ministry to invite the UN and ICRC to join humanitarian efforts in the region during a visit to Ukraine’s adjacent Sumy region a day earlier.

“We expect a sober assessment (from the UN and the ICRC) regarding such provocative statements,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reports in a press briefing in Moscow.

Kyiv's operation in the Kursk region began on the night of Aug. 6, when Ukrainian forces entered the region near the town of Sudzha, about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the border.

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of carrying out a “large-scale provocation” and “indiscriminate shooting,” defining the incursion as a “terrorist attack.”

Days later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted it was an “operation” by Ukraine’s troops, specifying that the goal is to create a “buffer zone” against cross-border attacks by Russia.