Ukraine has formally invited the United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to join humanitarian efforts in the Kursk region, which is partially under Ukrainian control. Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, announced the move on Monday, highlighting the country’s commitment to protecting civilians and upholding international law, reported Reuters.
Following a visit to Ukrainian troops in the Sumy region, which borders Kursk, Sybiha stressed that Ukraine is ready to facilitate the work of international humanitarian organizations. “We are demonstrating to the world that Ukraine adheres to international law, safeguarding the lives and freedoms of every civilian,” he stated.
Ukrainian forces have been actively supporting civilian evacuations and providing humanitarian assistance in areas impacted by ongoing military operations. Sybiha emphasized that unlike the Russian military’s actions in Bucha, Irpin, and Izium, Ukrainian forces have not been involved in crimes against civilians.
Ukraine launched a major offensive in the Kursk region in August, claiming control over 1,000 square kilometers and dozens of settlements. Meanwhile, Moscow reported the evacuation of approximately 150,000 civilians from the conflict zone.
This initiative coincides with a long-planned visit to Moscow by ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, which comes just days after three Ukrainian Red Cross workers were killed in a Russian strike on a humanitarian convoy in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it yet another war crime by Russia.
