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| Russian humanitarian convoy to Ukraine departs from Alabino, Moscow region. |
Almost 300 trucks carrying 2,000 tons of humanitarian aid have
been sent towards the border with Ukraine, Moscow regional
authorities say. Earlier, Russia and Ukraine agreed on a
humanitarian mission under the authority of the Red Cross.
Russia and Ukraine agree on humanitarian operation - Lavrov
Some 280 Kamaz trucks carrying food, medication, and drinking
water were sent out by Russia’s Emergencies Ministry from the
Moscow region on Tuesday morning, Russian media reported.
“The convoy will deliver to the inhabitants of eastern Ukraine
around 2,000 tons of humanitarian aid collected by Muscovites
and residents of the Moscow region,” the administration of the
Moscow region told Ria Novosti.
The humanitarian cargo includes 400 tons of grains, 100 tons of
sugar, and 62 tons of baby food, as well as 54 tons of medical
equipment and medication. The convoy will also deliver around
12,000 sleeping bags and 69 power generators of various types.
The humanitarian mission is carried out without any participation of
the Russian military, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov
emphasized earlier.
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| A polyclinic damaged during shelling of Donetsk by the Ukrainian military |
Russian President Vladimir Putin told European Commission
President Jose Manuel Barroso earlier on Monday that Russia, in
cooperation with representatives of the International Committee of
the Red Cross, is sending a humanitarian convoy to Ukraine.
Prior to that, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that
“all possible and impossible pretexts have been dismissed,”
referring to discussions with Kiev. Lavrov also expressed hope that
“Western partners won’t put a spoke in the wheel and will think
about the people who are badly in need of water and electricity.”
In the latest statement, the ICRC emphasized the urgent need for
the aid to reach the areas affected by fighting, but said it expects
more details of the operation from Moscow.
“Prior to the beginning of the operation, the ICRC should receive
without undue delay from the authorities of the Russian Federation
all necessary details concerning the aid, including the volume and
type of items, and requirements for transport and storage,” the
organization said.
Russia initially came up with a proposal to send humanitarian aid
under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross
to Ukraine's troubled eastern regions last week at the UN Security-
Council meeting. However, the leaders of the US, UK, and
Germany seem to be stalling the operation, Lavrov said, accusing
the states of “blatant expression of cynicism” for claiming that all
necessary humanitarian measures “are already being taken” by
Kiev authorities.
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