Russia Deeply Concerned About Ukraine’s Humanitarian Situation – Kremlin Spokesman

BOCHAROV RUCHEY (SOCHI), August 9 (RIA Novosti) — Moscow is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Saturday.

"From the point of view of the escalating humanitarian catastrophe, [the situation in eastern Ukraine] raises deepest concerns. This catastrophe [humanitarian] has become the number one topic for discussion," Peskov said.

Answering the question about the possible ways of providing help, the spokesman reminded that such possibilities were being considered in various formats. Peskov, however, did not say whether Russia was ready to provide unilateral aid.

"We need bilateral agreements at least," Peskov noted.

The spokesman added that the US authorities' statement, saying they would view Russia's unilateral help in Ukraine's east as invasion, "has been heard."

On Tuesday, Russia proposed to the UN Security Council to send an international mission to Ukraine with Russian humanitarian aid, under the aegis of the Red Cross and accompanied by the representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Since mid-April, Kiev has been conducting a military operation, targeting eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions, which refused to recognize the legitimacy of the new government and chose to pursue independence.

Moscow has repeatedly condemned Kiev’s military operation, advocating a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Source: RIA Novosti 09-08-2014