UN Prepared to Join Humanitarian Efforts in Kursk Region, Pending Russian Approval

The United Nations (UN) has expressed readiness to participate in humanitarian assistance for civilians in the Kursk region. However, this involvement is contingent upon receiving permission from Russia.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric made this statement, as reported by Voice of America. Dujarric commented on the invitation extended by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for UN and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representatives to visit Ukrainian-controlled areas in the Kursk region for “humanitarian response activities.”

According to Dujarric, the UN is prepared to deploy its representatives to the Kursk region, but Russian authorization is required for their entry.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally requested the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to assist in humanitarian efforts in parts of the Kursk region, which have been under Ukrainian control since August 6, 2024. The Ukrainian government reiterated its commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, noting that its military operations aim to create a buffer zone to mitigate further Russian aggression.

In response, the Kremlin dismissed Ukraine’s request as a provocation. Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, described the invitation as “pure provocation.”

The ICRC has yet to respond to Ukraine’s invitation.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged the ICRC to monitor adherence to international humanitarian law on the controlled territories, in line with the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Ukraine has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the UN and the ICRC to effectively deliver aid and oversee the humanitarian situation in the Kursk region.