ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Moscow and Kyiv are discussing establishing a humanitarian corridor for civilians stranded in areas of the partially occupied Kursk region, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova confirmed on Tuesday.
It is estimated that over 1,500 Russian civilians remain in the areas of Kursk that Ukraine’s forces captured during a surprise cross-border offensive in August. However, displaced residents and Ukraine’s military claim the true number is closer to 3,000.
President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office announced last Thursday that it was prepared to collaborate with Moscow to open the humanitarian corridor, but had not yet received an official request from the Kremlin.
The Russian government stated on Monday that it was “doing everything possible” to assist civilians in the occupied sections of Kursk but did not directly respond to Ukraine’s proposal.
Moskalkova stated, “We’re working closely on this issue with Ukraine and the International Committee of the Red Cross. There’s hope for a positive solution,” while not providing further details.
Displaced residents of the Kursk region have accused Russian authorities of neglect over the past six months since the Ukrainian offensive, staging protests over inadequate temporary housing and the lack of compensation for lost or damaged property.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to lose ground to advancing Russian forces as they push to regain control of the border region. Kyiv views the territory under its control within Russia as a crucial bargaining chip for future peace talks with Moscow, which has made steady gains on the front lines in eastern Ukraine since summer.
