National Security and Defense Council: another Russian “humanitarian convoy” entered the Ukrainian territory, violating all international and Ukrainian legislative norms

WATCH IN ENGLISH

Kyiv, 30 November 2014 – Situation in Donetsk and Lugansk reiogns remains tense andhas not considerably changed within the last 24 hours. Terrorists and Russian troops continue shelling the ATO forces positions. “In the morning 106 vehicles of the so-called “humanitarian convoy” entered the Ukrainian territory from Russia via the checkpoints “Donetsk-Izvaryne” and “Matveev Kurgan – Uspenka” violating all international and Ukrainian legislative norms for humanitarian convoys and transports”. In particular, 63 vehicles crossed the checkpoint “Matveev Kurgan” (Russian Federation) from 8.30 a.m. till 9.10 a.m. 43 vehicles crossed the checkpoint “Donetsk” (Russian Federation) from 8.30 a.m. till 9.40 a.m.”, – informed a spokesman for the Information and Analysis Center of the National Security and Defence Council Colonel Andriy Lysenko during his media briefing in Ukrainian Crisis Media Center.

Representatives of the International Red Cross Committee did not participate in the convoy transportation, joint Ukrainian border and custom guards unit made only visual observation of the Russian convoy crossing the state border, without performing its oversight functions. The content and destination of the cargo are unknown for the Ukrainian side. “Humanitarianconvoys” only build up a picture for the media, real aid for ordinary people doesn`t reach Donbas. On the contrary – most humanitarian convoys get into the hands of militants, who put up armed clashes because of mutual accusations of embezzling the Russian aid, “- added a spokesman for the National Security Council.

At the Donetsk direction within the last day militants struck at Ukrainian military positions in the airport twice from tanks, artillery, mortars and small arms. All attacks were successfully repelled, the terrorists took casualties and retreated. At the Debaltseve direction Ukrainian military positions near settlements Nikishine, Maloorlivka, Olhovatka were attacked with mortars and small arms. Shelling continued also near Bakhmutivka road. The terrorists made artillery strikes on strongholds near villages Tryokhizbenka and Sokilnyky. 3 Ukrainian servicemen died and 15 were injured within the last 24 hours.

On Saturday LPR militants continued to shell Ukrainian-controlled territory of Lugansk region. Under fire from artillery, mortars and MRLS “Grad” got settlements Trokhizbenka, Hirske, Krymske, Sokilnyky, Shchastya, Vilkhove, Popasna, Makarove, Stanytsia Luhanska. “The most difficult situation still remains in Stanytsia Luhanska that is systematically shelled by terrorists with “Grad” rocket launchers. As a result of direct shell and tracer bullet hits four houses were burnt down, “- said Colonel Lysenko during his media briefing.

During the shelling of Popasna with MRLS “Grad” yesterday two 78-year-old pensioners were injured, one 82-year-old man died of wounds.