We only want to protect our people: Ukraine’s MFA issues statement on Kursk operation

Map: France 24

On August 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has issued a statement on the operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.

MFA’s spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said this during a briefing on August 13, Ukrinform reported.

“I want to emphasize that, unlike the Russian Federation, Ukraine does not need stuff that doesn’t belong to it. Ukraine is not interested in taking territory in Kursk Oblast, but we want to protect the lives of our people,” Tykhyi pointed out.

According to him, Russia has attacked Ukraine’s border Sumy Oblast more than 2000 times with drones, guided bombs, missiles and artillery since the beginning of the summer. Meanwhile, Ukraine didn’t get the opportunity to use allies’ long-range weapons to prevent such attacks and had to find other ways to stop Russian terrorism.

At the same time, the official noted that the world doesn’t have to ve concerned about the incursion when it comes to humanitarian issues.

“On a separate note, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are a civilized European military force that fully complies with the laws and customs of warfare and international humanitarian law. The targets of Ukraine’s Defense Forces are exclusively military forces and military contingents. The purpose of the operation is to preserve the lives of our people and protect Ukraine’s territory from Russian strikes”, Tykhyi concluded.

Previously, Kursk Oblast governor informed Putin that 28 settlements in the region weren’t under control of the Russian troops.

Read also: White House Advisor gives Putin advice on how to deal with Ukrainian troops in Kursk region