The so-called 'humanitarian convoy' on its way from Russia to Eastern Ukraine has been the cause of a lot of controversy. What do we know about it and could this string of vehicles really be the Kremlin's idea of peaceful assistance? Or is it all a ruse?
Earlier this week Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko conferred with world's leaders on the matter, including President Barak Obama (interrupting his family downtime in Martha's Vineyard) and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. In an effort to deescalate the conflict, Ukraine agreed to accept the aid but stipulated that it must be implemented under international regulations and Ukrainian procedures, with logistics and delivery coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
As soon as the Ukrainian government mentioned an international humanitarian mission, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that the so-called 'humanitarian convoy' was already on its way to Donbass —a region occupied by Russia-backed separatists now battling with the Ukrainian Army. The death toll in Eastern Ukraine has exceeded 2,000, according to the UN. And many civilians in towns and villages controlled by separatists are left without food and medical supplies.
Some 280 white-painted Russian trucks, which Russian officials say are loaded with food and medical supplies, have been moving towards the Ukrainian border. What's got Ukraine and the international community worried is that Russia's "humanitarian aid" mission has not been fully coordinated with Ukrainian officials or the International Red Cross supervision.
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