Russia criticized Western allies of Ukraine at the United Nations on Tuesday for not condemning Kyiv’s incursion into the Russian region of Kursk. During an informal UN Security Council gathering convened by Russia, Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy accused Ukrainian forces of killing civilians and questioned the goals of the cross-border assault.
Ukraine’s allies on the Security Council, including the United States, France, and Britain, maintained their support for Kyiv and did not address the Kursk offensive. Slovenian diplomat Klemen Ponikvar stated, “We will not recognize the aggressor as the victim.”
The surprise attack by thousands of Ukrainian soldiers began a week ago. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the offensive aimed to improve Kyiv’s negotiating position and slow the advance of Russian forces along the front.
Ukraine’s Western backers said they had no prior warning of the offensive that has claimed a portion of Russian territory. They have been cautious to avoid escalating the conflict into a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Polyanskiy told the council, “We haven’t heard a word of condemnation of these actions from the Western sponsors of the Kyiv regime who continue to cover up the abhorrent crimes of their puppet.” He questioned how targeting civilians could serve the goal of disrupting attacks on Ukrainian territory, asserting there were no military objects or infrastructure in the area.
The Russian and Ukrainian militaries have barred journalists from the battlefield, making it impossible to independently verify claims made by either side.
