Second Russian Aid Convoy Enters İn Ukraine

A second convoy of Russian aid to eastern Ukraine has arrived in Luhansk, according to Russian media.

The 220-truck convoy, escorted by the pro-Russian separatists, carried 2,000 tons of first aid, medicine, food, water and other supplies, Russian Deputy Emergencies Minister Vladimir Stepanov said.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said the convoy crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border on Friday evening and Saturday morning, adding that most vehicles were not inspected by Ukrainian or international observers.

The Ukrainian government has previously said it was concerned that aid convoys could be used to supply separatist fighters with arms.

Moscow and Kiev agreed for humanitarian aid to be sent under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross last month but when the first convoy entered Ukraine on August 22 without any supervision the move was condemned by the U.S. and the European Union.

Ukraine and the West blame Russia for prolonging the conflict in Donetsk and Luhansk provinces by deploying troops and arms, claims dismissed by Moscow.

A cease-fire was declared on September 5 and is still in place despite minor violations.

www.aa.com.tr - Luhans'ka Oblast'