VIENNA, February 1 (Sputnik) — The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) special mission in Ukraine did not accompany Russia's humanitarian aid convoy to the war-torn Donetsk and Luhansk regions, contrary to earlier reports, the mission's spokesperson told RIA Novosti Sunday.
"Can confirm that at no time did we escort or follow convoy. We have no relationship to it. While on routine patrol in Luhansk region it did pass by us," Michael Bochurkiv said.
On Saturday, Russian Emergencies Ministry stated that the 12th humanitarian aid convoy to Donbas was accompanied by the OSCE mission.
The 12th convoy delivered more than 15,000 tonnes of aid, including food, medicines, electric power equipment and building materials. The 170-vehicle convoy split in two ahead of the Ukrainian border, with columns proceeding to Donetsk and Luhansk.
Russia has been sending aid convoys to eastern Ukraine since August 2014. The region is facing a major humanitarian crisis after months of fighting left many local residents without food, drinking water and electricity.
