Ukraine invites UN and Red Cross to Kursk amid tensions

Ukraine has formally invited the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to assess the situation in the Kursk region, which has been under Ukrainian control following a significant military offensive. This request was made by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who emphasized the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law amidst ongoing conflict. The invitation aims to demonstrate Ukraine's commitment to these laws, especially in light of reported atrocities by Russian forces since the invasion began in February 2022. The Ukrainian army claims to be providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring safe passage for civilians in the region. As of now, Ukraine asserts control over approximately 100 settlements in southern Kursk, which borders Ukraine. The invitation to the UN and ICRC follows Sybiha's visit to the Sumy region, where the offensive originated. In response, the Kremlin has dismissed the invitation as a 'pure provocation,' with spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling for a careful evaluation of Ukraine's request by the international organizations. This comes as ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric is set to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, following a tragic incident where three Ukrainian ICRC employees were killed in shelling in the Donetsk region. The situation highlights the contrasting narratives between Ukraine and Russia regarding military conduct and humanitarian efforts. Ukraine seeks to position its military actions in a positive light, while Russia continues to face scrutiny over its operations in the ongoing conflict.