- US, French, Australian governments concerned Russia might use humanitarian deliveries to carry out operation to help pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine
- Russia says it will transfer aid convoy to Red Cross
A Russian convoy of trucks carrying tonnes of humanitarian aid left on Tuesday for eastern Ukraine, where government forces are closing in on pro-Russian rebels, but Kiev said it would not allow the vehicles to cross onto its territory.
Kiev and western governments warned Moscow against any attempt to turn the operation into a military intervention by stealth in a region facing a humanitarian crisis after four months of warfare.
“This cargo will be reloaded onto other transport vehicles (at the border) by the Red Cross,” Ukrainian Presidential Aide Valery Chaly reportedly told journalists.
“We will not allow any escort by the emergencies ministry of Russia or by the military (onto Ukrainian territory). Everything will be under the control of the Ukrainian side,” he said.
Russia said it would transfer the convoy to the aegis of the International Committee of the Red Cross, but made no reference to the demand that the goods be reloaded. The European Union said the aid would have to be verified.
“No political or other objectives must be pursued,” EU humanitarian Aid Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva reportedly said.
Russian media reportedly said the column of 280 trucks had left from near Moscow and it would take a couple of days for it to make the 1,000 km (620 mile) journey to Ukraine’s eastern regions where rebel fighters seek union with Russia.
The US, French and Australian governments voiced concern that Russia, sole international supporter of rebels in Ukraine’s Russian-speaking east, could use the humanitarian deliveries to carry out a covert operation to help fighters who appear to be on the verge of defeat.
“It has all been agreed with Ukraine,” Business FM radio quoted Putin’s Spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying of an operation publicised with fanfare on Russian television.
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