In a significant development, Ukraine has formally requested the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to join in humanitarian efforts within Russia’s Kursk region. This request follows a cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces, which has seen Kyiv maintain control of territory in the region for over a month.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made the announcement, revealing he had instructed his ministry to formally invite the UN and ICRC to operate in the Kursk region during a visit to the northeastern Ukrainian region of Sumy. The ministry confirmed the requests, highlighting Ukraine’s commitment to international humanitarian law.
Sybiha emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to facilitate the organizations’ work, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Ukraine is ready to facilitate their work and prove its adherence to international humanitarian law.” He underscored the Ukrainian army’s role in ensuring humanitarian aid and safe passage for civilians within the Kursk region.
The Foreign Ministry, in a written statement, clarified the rationale behind the invitations to the ICRC and UN, citing the humanitarian situation and the need to safeguard basic human rights in the Kursk region. Furthermore, they requested the ICRC to monitor Ukraine’s compliance with international humanitarian law principles, as outlined in the Geneva Conventions, which aim to protect victims of international armed conflicts.
While Moscow, which launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has not yet commented on the invitations, the UN and ICRC’s response remains unclear. Notably, Russia’s state-run RIA news agency reported on Monday that ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric had arrived in Moscow for a visit and planned to meet with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
It’s worth noting that last week, Russian shelling tragically resulted in the deaths of three Ukrainian ICRC workers and injuries to two others in a village located in the frontline Donetsk region, according to Ukrainian officials. Spoljaric has publicly condemned these attacks.
