Ukraine Invites UN and ICRC to Address Humanitarian Needs in Kursk Region Amid Ongoing Conflict
On Monday, Ukraine formally requested the involvement of the United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support humanitarian efforts in Russia's Kursk region, following a recent cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces. This action comes more than a month after Ukraine’s military initiated an assault that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claims has successfully taken control of around 100 settlements.
The Russian Defense Ministry responded, stating that its forces had regained control of two villages in the region, indicating ongoing tensions and military operations. In light of the situation, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that he had instructed his ministry to extend a formal invitation to both the UN and ICRC during a recent visit to the northeast Ukrainian region of Sumy. The ministry confirmed that these requests have been issued, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to facilitating the organizations' operations in adherence to international humanitarian law.
Sybiha expressed on social media platform X that the Ukrainian army is committed to providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring safe passage for civilians in the Kursk region. The Foreign Ministry also highlighted the necessity of inviting the ICRC and UN, taking into account the pressing humanitarian situation and the need to uphold basic human rights within the affected territory.
The ministry specifically requested the ICRC to oversee Ukraine’s compliance with international humanitarian law principles as outlined in the Geneva Conventions, which are designed to protect victims of armed conflicts. However, it remains uncertain what response, if any, the UN and ICRC will provide to Ukraine's invitation.
In a counterpoint, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized Ukraine's statements as provocative. He indicated that Moscow, which initiated full-scale military operations in Ukraine in 2022, anticipates that the UN and ICRC will decline Ukraine's invitation. In a related development, Russian news agency RIA reported that ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric was in Moscow, planning to meet with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Tensions have escalated recently, with reports of atrocities in the conflict. Just last week, Russian shelling resulted in the deaths of three Ukrainians working for the ICRC and injured two others in a village located in the frontline Donetsk region, as reported by Ukrainian officials. The humanitarian situation in the region continues to deteriorate, necessitating the urgent attention of international organizations and compliance with humanitarian principles. As Ukraine reaches out for support from global entities, the situation remains critical, marking another chapter in the ongoing conflict.
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