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Minister for Europe David Lidington criticises ‘provocative’ entry into Ukraine of Russian convoy 

In response to reports that a Russian convoy has entered Ukraine without the Government of Ukraine’s consent or the involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Minister for Europe David Lidington said:

I am deeply concerned that this Russian convoy has entered Ukrainian territory without the consent of the Ukrainian government. This is a provocative act that violates previous understandings that the Government of Ukraine should consent to the convoy entering Ukrainian territory, with the ICRC ensuring that the convoy meets genuine humanitarian needs.

The UK fully supports efforts to get aid to those in Eastern Ukraine – indeed we are making an additional £1m available to support the international aid effort. But this needs to be done in the proper way with Red Cross involvement and in support of Ukraine’s own humanitarian efforts.

The UK strongly urges Russia to avoid any and all provocative acts, which will only serve to increase instability in the region and lead to further damaging consequences for Russia’s relationship with Europe.

Instead, the Russians must make every effort to find a political solution to the crisis by engaging with the Ukrainian government and the intensive diplomacy aimed at a peaceful resolution to a dangerous and tense situation in Eastern Ukraine and at the Russia-Ukraine border.

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