Russia, Ukraine give ICRC necessary security guarantees for aid convoy

KIEV, Ukraine, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed Wednesday that it has received security guarantees from Russia and Ukraine required for the first 16 trucks of a 270-vehicle Russian aid convoy to move forward with the delivery of supplies for embattled eastern Ukraine.

The trucks departed Moscow on August 12 without necessary approval from the Red Cross, which is overseeing the international aid effort, or permission from the Ukrainian government. The trucks have been holding near the border in the Russian town of Rostov.

Despite suspicion by the Ukrainian government about the cargo's true contents and Russia's intentions, it seemed on Sunday that the trucks would be inspected Monday, but that plan was put on hold until the Red Cross obtained security assurances.

Now that those security guarantees have been offered, there are signs the aid convoys will be on their way soon.

The first 16 aid trucks passed through a Russian border checkpoint on Wednesday.

According to the agreed-upon procedures, the Russian convoy will make its way in batches to the border of Ukraine. Each Russian truck will have one Russian driver and will be escorted by Red Cross officials. Once the trucks reach Luhansk, the trucks will unload their cargo, at which point the Red Cross will take possession of the cargo and Red Cross teams will distribute the aid to needy communities in eastern Ukraine.