Russian aid convoy streaming into Ukraine without permissionAugust 22, 2014 - 14:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Lorries from a Russian aid convoy are streaming into Ukraine without permission, after Russia accused Ukraine of unreasonable obstruction, BBC News reported. Russia's foreign ministry said Ukraine had held up the convoy in order to pursue war against rebels in Luhansk, where the aid is destined. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was "not part of that convoy in any way". A Ukraine official said responsibility for the convoy rested on the Russians. Reports suggest the lorries are being escorted by pro-Russian activists. "Our humanitarian aid convoy is starting to move towards Luhansk," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. It 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 activists in the rebellion in Luhansk and the neighbouring region of Donetsk, where four months of fighting have left more than 2,000 people dead and has caused more than 330,000 people to flee their homes. The activist-held city of Luhansk has been without running water, power and phone communications for 20 days as government forces hold it under siege. Photo: Fontanka.ru Related links: 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 | U.S. believes peace is “possible” in South Caucasus The United States continues to believe that peace is possible in the South Caucasus, Vedant Patel said. Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. |