Wed Sep 25 01:03:00 UTC 2024: ## Russia Accuses UN of Ignoring Ukrainian “Excesses” in Kursk
**New York, NY** – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the United Nations of turning a blind eye to alleged atrocities committed by Ukrainian forces during their incursion into Russia’s Kursk region last month.
Speaking to Russia’s TASS news agency on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Lavrov claimed that Ukrainian “terrorist groups” are using Western weapons to carry out indiscriminate attacks on civilians in Kursk, targeting homes, social institutions, and even civilians attempting to flee. He expressed disappointment that the UN, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has not condemned these alleged acts.
These claims come amidst ongoing accusations by Ukraine and human rights organizations regarding Russia’s own indiscriminate bombing of civilians and other alleged war crimes since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukraine maintains it is defending itself against an imperialistic war of conquest aimed at erasing its national identity, while Russia insists its actions are necessary to protect its security against a hostile West.
Following the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk in early August, Russian authorities have claimed that their forces have recaptured several towns and villages lost to Ukrainian control. While Russia previously expressed willingness to hold talks with Ukraine on the condition of withdrawing its forces from four annexed regions, Moscow has now ruled out negotiations while Ukrainian troops remain in Kursk.
Lavrov further used the interview to warn Eastern European countries, former Soviet allies now aligned with NATO and the European Union, that they are being treated with disdain by Western leaders. He suggested that Western powers lack trust in these nations and are unwilling to grant them significant positions of power.
Lastly, Lavrov commented on the declining use of the US dollar as a global reserve currency, suggesting that increasing numbers of countries are moving away from reliance on the dollar. This shift, he argued, reflects a rejection of the US dollar’s dominance once lauded by institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
The UN has yet to respond to Lavrov’s accusations. Ukraine, however, has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing Russia of using the claims as propaganda to justify its own war crimes. The situation remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations and raising concerns about the potential for further escalation.
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