Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the United Nations of turning a blind eye to Ukrainian attacks in Russia’s Kursk region, which began in early August. Lavrov made the remarks during an interview with Russia’s TASS news agency on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Lavrov claimed that Ukrainian forces, armed with Western weapons, are committing indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Kursk. He criticized the UN and its Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for failing to condemn these actions.

“I have not heard any voices from UN representatives responsible for human rights, including, of course, the secretary general,” Lavrov said.

This accusation comes as Ukraine and human rights organizations have consistently accused Russia of indiscriminate bombings and other atrocities against civilians since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

Russia, however, maintains that its actions in Ukraine are a “special operation” to protect its own security against a hostile West.

Ukrainian forces have made significant gains in Kursk since the incursion began, capturing large chunks of territory and some 100 settlements. However, the Russian military claims to have recaptured some of those towns and villages in recent weeks.

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Lavrov also warned Eastern European countries, now part of NATO and the European Union, that Western leaders do not trust them. He claimed that these countries are not allowed to hold “significant job positions” within these organizations.

Additionally, Lavrov stated that more and more countries are rejecting the US dollar as a reserve currency. He believes that this is a result of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank’s earlier promotion of the dollar as a “world-wide asset.”