China calls on Ukraine, Russia to deescalate amid fresh offensive in Kursk region

ISTANBUL

China on Monday urged Ukraine and Russia to deescalate the situation amid Kyiv’s fresh offensive in Kursk region.

Foreign Ministry said all parties should "observe the three principles for deescalating the situation, namely no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no fueling the flame by any party."

"China will continue to maintain communication with the international community to play a constructive role for the political settlement of the crisis," said the ministry.

Overnight on Aug. 5-6, Ukraine intensified shelling in the Kursk region. The artillery barrage was followed by an incursion of Ukrainian infantry, supported by tanks and armored vehicles, near the city of Sudzha.

The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry said Saturday that more than 76,000 residents were evacuated from the Kursk region.