MOSCOW, August 26 /ITAR-TASS/. Moscow urges the Ukrainian government “to deliver on its promises and to facilitate the safe and unhindered passage of future humanitarian assistance” to the parts of the country suffering from the aftermaths of hostilities, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says in an interview published by Russia Beyond The Headlines, a supplement to The Daily Telegraph.
“Russia, in co-operation with the ICRC, sent a humanitarian convoy of around 300 trucks carrying 2,000 tons of medical supplies, food, sleeping bags, power generators and other basic commodities,” he said.
“The convoy was ready to move as early as August 17, but was delayed primarily due to procrastination tactics employed by the Kiev authorities, though they had recognised the cargo as humanitarian aid under the auspices of the ICRC, and sent Ukrainian border guards and customs officers to monitor all procedures at the Russian checkpoint near Donetsk,” Lavrov said.
“We urge the Ukrainian government to deliver on its promises and to facilitate the safe and unhindered passage of future humanitarian assistance,” he said.
Lavrov told a news briefing Monday Russia hoped the new aid convoy would use the same route as the convoy that delivered aid last week.
