Ukraine sets terms for Russian aid as convoy heads to border
15 Aug 2014 4:59 AM IST
Ukraine set terms on Wednesday for allowing in Russian aid after Moscow sent a 280-truck convoy to the conflict-torn east and fueled fears the mission could be used to aid rebels.
The authorities in Kiev said they would stop the Russian lorries at the border but allow the aid to be unloaded and shipped into eastern Ukraine with the help of the Red Cross.
‘We will not allow (the aid) to be accompanied by the Russian ministry for emergency situations or by Russian troops,’ said Valeriy Chalyy, deputy head of the presidential administration.
Russia has stepped up calls for a humanitarian mission to the east where Ukrainian troops have tightened their grip following four months of fierce battles with pro-Moscow rebels that have left cities without power, running water or fuel. There are also food shortages.A convoy of 280 lorries left Moscow on Wednesday for eastern Ukraine carrying 2,000 tonnes of ‘humanitarian supplies,’ including medical equipment, baby food and sleeping bags, Russian media reported.
The authorities in Kiev said they would stop the Russian lorries at the border but allow the aid to be unloaded and shipped into eastern Ukraine with the help of the Red Cross.
‘We will not allow (the aid) to be accompanied by the Russian ministry for emergency situations or by Russian troops,’ said Valeriy Chalyy, deputy head of the presidential administration.
Russia has stepped up calls for a humanitarian mission to the east where Ukrainian troops have tightened their grip following four months of fierce battles with pro-Moscow rebels that have left cities without power, running water or fuel. There are also food shortages.A convoy of 280 lorries left Moscow on Wednesday for eastern Ukraine carrying 2,000 tonnes of ‘humanitarian supplies,’ including medical equipment, baby food and sleeping bags, Russian media reported.
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