Ukraine extends invitation to UN and Red Cross in Russia’s Kursk region amid conflict with Russia

The Kremlin has criticized Ukraine’s invitation to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to verify the situation in areas of Russia’s Kursk region seized by Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha extended the invitation to prove Ukraine’s adherence to international humanitarian law following atrocities committed by Russian forces. Ukraine is providing humanitarian assistance in the region and controlling about 100 settlements on the border with Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the invitations to monitor compliance with the Geneva Conventions. The Kremlin called the invitation a “pure provocation” as ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric arrived in Moscow. Spoljaric condemned an attack that killed three Ukrainian ICRC employees in eastern Ukraine and is set to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Russia criticized Ukraine’s counteroffensive and forced the evacuation of about 150,000 Russian civilians. Sybiha’s visit to the Sumy region prompted the invitation, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to international humanitarian law. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in conflict, with Moscow calling for a “sober assessment” of Ukraine’s request from the UN and ICRC.

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