Russia sends 280 trucks carrying humanitarian aid to UkraineAugust 12, 2014 - 11:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia said a convoy of 280 trucks carrying humanitarian aid set off for Ukraine on Tuesday, Aug 12, amid Western warnings against using help as a pretext for an invasion, according to Reuters. With Ukraine reporting Russia has amassed 45,000 troops on its border, NATO said there was a "high probability" that Moscow could intervene militarily in the country's east, where Kiev's forces are closing in on pro-Russian armed groups ITAR-TASS news agency said the convoy has departed from near Moscow which means it would take it a couple of days to arrive in east Ukraine, about 1,000 km (620 miles) to the southwest. "It has all been agreed with Ukraine," Business FM radio quoted President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, as saying. In Kiev, a government source, who did not wish to be named, said there had been no agreement for Russian vehicles to cross into Ukraine. Kiev backs a broad international mission including the United States and the European Union alongside Russia, under the aegis of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). "There is no agreement from the Ukrainian side for Russian vehicles to enter Ukrainian territory. The Red Cross is looking for transport companies which will take over the issue of delivering humanitarian cargo to the east also from the United States and the EU," the source said. There had been broad agreement that the Red Cross would take over all organizational and logistical questions for the international mission, a separate statement from the administration of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said. Thousands of people are believed to be short of water, electricity and medical aid due to the fighting. Photo: AFP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |