BERLIN, August 13./ITAR-TASS/. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday welcomed proposals to provide humanitarian aid to southeastern Ukraine.

“As a result of continued fighting and serious humanitarian problems, people in eastern Ukraine depend on help from the outside. That is why we can welcome proposals for helping the people in dire straits,” he said.

On Tuesday, August 12, a convoy of up to 280 trucks carrying 2,000 tonnes of relief supplies for the embattled southeastern regions of Ukraine set off from the Moscow region. The aid includes foodstuffs, baby food, medicine and medical equipment, and drinking water.

Steinmeier expects all parties to be committed to the earlier agreements and the principles of transparency.

Official Berlin said humanitarian aid should be delivered “under the coordination of the International Committee of the Red Cross”.