Ukraine will refuse entry to a convoy of 280 Russian trucks carrying humanitarian aid to the east of the country amid fears in Kiev and western capitals that Moscow’s mission is aimed at shoring up a separatist rebellion.
The Ukrainian government said any illegal crossing into its territory would be an act of aggression after Moscow hastily dispatched the vehicles with 2,000 tonnes of aid towards the border.
Russia’s emergency ministry said that the convoy – destined for the rebel-held city of Lugansk, which is surrounded by pro-Kiev forces – was part of an agreement to provide assistance under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross.