The Russian Foreign Ministry received a note from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressing willingness to accept humanitarian aid from Russia on Aug. 12, says Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The Russian Foreign Ministry had earlier forwarded a note to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry requesting permission for the Russian humanitarian convoy’s movement, Lavrov told journalists.
“Movement has been started. We have received a note confirming the Ukrainian side’s willingness to accept this aid. This note came today,” he said.
“We are firmly relying on the reassurances given to us by the Ukrainian authorities: they guarantee the safe movement of the entire convoy through the territory controlled by the Kyiv (government) forces,” Lavrov said.
The separatists have also been informed about the humanitarian convoy, he said, adding that he hopes they too will ensure its safety.
“We are expecting the militia to treat this humanitarian initiative accordingly. We have already signaled to them there. I am certain there will be no disruptions on their part, they are in the territory whose residents need humanitarian aid,” the Russian foreign minister said.
