A Russian aid convoy destined for eastern Ukraine is back on track despite Kievs warning that it will not let the convoy enter its territory.On Thursday, the aid convoy resumed its travel towards Ukraine, taking the road leading south toward the city of Luhansk, which is in control of pro-Russian militias.
The convoy of at least 280 vehicles had been parked at a military depot in southern Russia amid disagreement between Moscow and Kiev over how and where it would cross into Ukraine.
Russia has agreed to deliver the aid to a Ukraine government-controlled crossing in Kharkiv region, where it could be inspected by the Red Cross.
Moscow insists that it has coordinated the dispatch of the goods with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), but Ukraine says it is worried the mission may be a cover for an invasion. Russia says the goods include baby food, canned meat, portable generators and sleeping bags.
Anastasia Isyuk, ICRC spokeswoman, said Thursday that talks between the organization, Ukraine and Russia were continuing, but that she could not confirm where the aid shipment was headed.
The plans keep changing, the discussions are going ahead and we will not confirm for sure until we know an agreement has been reached, she said.
The practical details still have to be clarified between the two sides, she added.
The aid convoy was expected on Wednesday at Ukraines volatile border where pro-Russian forces and Ukrainian troops are engaged in fierce battles.
On Wednesday, Ukraine's Interior Minister Arsen Avakov warned that Kiev would not let the Russian humanitarian aid convoy enter its territory.
No humanitarian convoy of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin will be allowed to cross the territory of the Kharkiv region," he wrote on his Facebook.
Ukraines mainly Russian-speaking parts in the east have witnessed deadly clashes between pro-Russia protesters and the Ukrainian army since mid-April.
By Press TV
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According to the United Nations, more than 1,540 people have been killed and nearly 300,000 forced to flee their homes due to fierce fighting in eastern Ukraine.
