The United Nations Human Rights Office has called on Russia to grant access to regions affected by recent Ukrainian cross-border attacks, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Last week, Ukraine launched an unexpected assault into Russian territory, targeting the Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions. This marks the largest foreign offensive on Russian soil since World War II. The UN request comes as Russia faces mounting pressure and the displacement of thousands of residents.
UN spokesperson Liz Throssell confirmed the request, stating, “The UN Human Rights Office has asked Russian authorities to facilitate access to areas impacted by the hostilities. This is in line with our mandate to monitor and assess human rights conditions in these regions.”
In response to the escalating conflict, authorities in the Kursk region have initiated the evacuation of Glushkov district, which borders Ukraine and houses approximately 20,000 people. Acting Governor Alexei Smirnov announced on Telegram that the evacuation process will be coordinated by police and other state bodies.
Ukraine reported that its forces have advanced one to two kilometers into Kursk and have taken control of the Russian town of Sudzha. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the progress, stating on Telegram, “Our advance in Kursk is going well today, reaching our strategic goals. The ‘exchange fund’ for our state has also been significantly replenished.”
In a late-night address, Zelensky also mentioned plans to create a “buffer zone” to protect Ukrainian border communities from further attacks. He reiterated calls for Western allies to support Ukraine with long-range missile capabilities, emphasizing that current Western restrictions limit Ukraine’s defensive options.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to expel Ukrainian troops and accused Ukraine’s Western supporters of involvement in the attacks. Putin’s administration claims the strikes are part of a strategy to strengthen Kyiv’s position in potential future ceasefire negotiations.
Russian forces have reportedly repelled several Ukrainian assaults in Kursk, including one near Russkoye Porechnoye, 18 kilometers from the border. Russia’s National Guard has increased security at the Kursk nuclear power plant, which is situated just 35 kilometers from the fighting.
In Belgorod, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk announced plans to open humanitarian corridors for evacuating civilians and to facilitate access for international humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations.
The incursion has intensified the risks for Russia, Ukraine, and the West, raising concerns about a broader confrontation. The White House confirmed that while US officials are in constant communication with Kyiv, Washington had no prior knowledge or involvement in the incursion.
The conflict has also impacted the Russian rouble, which has fallen over 8% against the dollar since the incursion began. Ukrainian forces continue to face intense fighting, particularly in the Donetsk region, where additional Western weapons are expected to bolster their efforts.
As the situation evolves, the international community remains vigilant, hoping for a resolution that minimizes further escalation and suffering.