Russia Accuses Ukraine of Kidnapping Over 1000 Kursk Residents
The Kremlin has formally accused Ukraine's military of capturing and detaining over 1,000 residents of Kursk since the beginning of the cross-border offensive in early August.
Tatyana Moskalkova, Russia's presidential human rights commissioner, stated on Monday that she has received messages from relatives of more than 1,000 people who are trying to find their missing family members.
Displaced People in Kursk
Moskalkova expressed concern over the lack of information about the fate of these people, describing the situation as a serious violation of their rights and international norms for the treatment of civilians. She intends to raise this issue directly with the Ukrainian government.
Moskalkova also pointed out that the forced removal of civilians from their permanent residences is a gross violation of the Geneva Convention and called on the international community to assess the situation appropriately.
Since the Ukrainian army began its attack on Russia's southwest border region, it is estimated that over 112,000 residents have been displaced from their homes.
Displacement and Treatment of Civilians
Social media videos have confirmed that a number of Russians, often elderly, have remained in the region amidst the Ukrainian troop invasion, possibly due to their inability to flee.
Moskalkova reported that over 12,000 displaced Russians are currently living in temporary shelters in various parts of Russia, while others have been forced to stay with relatives in safer regions of the country.
Ukraine has insisted that its forces are treating Russian civilians in captured territories humanely. In September, Kiev invited teams from the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to verify the situation in areas of Russia’s Kursk.
International Intervention and Accusations
Moscow has protested against such requests, arguing that any international organization or media must coordinate with the Kremlin before entering Russian sovereign territory. For instance, Russia has filed charges against a CNN team that crossed the border while accompanying Ukrainian troops.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the invitation to the UN and Red Cross was intended to demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to international humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, Kiev has accused Russian troops of carrying out mass executions as they battle Ukrainians in Kursk. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman has condemned the alleged execution of nine captured Ukrainian troops by Russian forces in the Kursk border region.
Bottom Line
The escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region, raises serious concerns about the treatment of civilians and adherence to international laws. As the world watches, the question remains: what can be done to ensure the safety and rights of the affected individuals? What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
