A senior official in Kiev has accused Russia of “invading” Ukraine after Russian humanitarian aid lorries crossed the border without permission, calling it “a flagrant violation” of international law.
Security chief Valentyn Nalyvaychenko said it was a “direct invasion” but no force would be used against the convoy, BBC reported.
Russia began sending in its lorries, stranded at the border for more than a week, after formally accusing Ukraine of unreasonable obstruction. The aid is destined for civilians in the east Ukraine war zone. Reports suggest the lorries are being escorted by rebel fighters.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was not part of the convoy “in any way.” Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry has warned Ukraine not to take any action against the convoy, without specifying the consequences.
Ukraine fears that the aid convoy of at least 260 lorries, which arrived at the border more than a week ago, is part of a broader Russian intervention in eastern Ukraine. Russia denies accusations that it arms and trains the rebels in Luhansk and the neighbouring region of Donetsk, where four months of fighting have left more than 2,000 people dead and caused more than 330,000 people to flee their homes.
The rebel-held city of Luhansk has been without running water, power and phone communications for 20 days as government forces hold it under siege.
