Kremlin Reacts to Ukraine’s Call for UN and Red Cross in Kursk Region, Calling It a Provocation

The Kremlin has responded sharply to Ukraine’s request for the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit areas of the Kursk region currently under Ukrainian control. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian leader, dismissed the invitation as a provocation.

According to TASS, Peskov stated, “We expect that such provocative statements will not be taken seriously by the intended recipients. This is pure provocation.”

Earlier, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally invited the UN and the ICRC to assist with humanitarian efforts in parts of the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have been active since August 6, 2024. The Ukrainian government emphasized its commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, asserting that its military operation aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further Russian aggression.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that since the beginning of the operation, Ukrainian Defense Forces have adhered to humanitarian principles, providing aid and evacuations for civilians in the region. Ukraine has requested that the UN and the ICRC engage in humanitarian response efforts to address the needs of the affected population.