MOSCOW, August 21. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov has denied rumours and speculations about Russian plans to intrude into southeast Ukraine under the pretext of delivering relief aid, the Russian Defense Ministry press service told ITAR-TASS on Thursday.

Antonov dismissed speculations by the European countries and NATO about a risk of Russia’s military intrusion in Ukraine under the cover of the humanitarian operation.

“As numerous checks of trucks carrying humanitarian aid have shown, no undeclared cargoes have been identified. No arrangements have been made for the convoy’s military escort inside Ukraine, either,” Antonov said.

He voiced concern over the instances of inhumane weapons - incendiary bombs and ballistic missiles armed with cluster warheads - being used in cities and communities. Antonov said that Kiev’s build-up of the so-called anti-terrorist operation, with the indiscriminate use of heavy artillery, multiple rocket launchers and combat aircraft, was causing heavy civilian casualties and ruining vital infrastructures.

Corbaz spoke highly of Russia’s efforts to provide aid to Ukrainian refugees and to send the humanitarian convoy. He said Russia’s representatives maintained constructive contact with the ICRC and were eager to meet partners halfway in addressing all issues to let the humanitarian movement get on the move.