MOSCOW, August 23 (RIA Novosti) – Moscow welcomes the decision of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to continue the humanitarian aid mission in eastern Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday.
“The International Committee of the Red Cross proved to be a responsible partner. As the situation evolved, the ICRC confirmed its intention to maintain and increase its presence in Luhansk Region. This included the participation of the organization in distribution of aid to those in greatest need in accordance with the highest standards of humanitarian activities,” the ministry said in a statement.
Moscow appreciates this position and ready to continue working with the ICRC to bring humanitarian aid to violence-torn eastern regions of Ukraine.
“We confirm our intention to continue cooperation with the ICRC in providing humanitarian aid to residents of South-Eastern Ukraine, which is still needed,” the ministerial statement said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry underlined that Moscow followed all Red Cross recommendations during its aid mission to eastern Ukraine.
“Russian representatives worked in close cooperation with the ICRC leaders and staff at all stages of preparation and implementation of the mission and duly followed their guidelines,” the statement said.
On Friday, a Russian convoy with humanitarian aid crossed the border with Ukraine and delivered the cargo to Luhansk, the city sieged by the Ukrainian army and struggling daily without regular food supplies, water and electricity. The same day, the ICRC said it is ready to help residents of Luhansk.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry described the convoy crossing the Russian border as a violation of international norms. Moscow reminded that Russia received a formal agreement from Kiev authorities for the passage of the humanitarian convoy through the Ukrainian border on August 12.
