In Italy’s view, the fact that a convey of 134 Russian vehicles has entered Ukrainian territory without the necessary authorisation from Kiev, albeit for stated humanitarian reasons, is a serious development in the crisis. Only some of the vehicles had undergone the inspections agreed by the parties and the International Committee of the Red Cross. This was, therefore, a unilateral action in breach of the regulatory and security provisions requested by the ICRC to ensure that the intervention is neutral, impartial and independent.
The humanitarian emergency is all too clear, with a growing number of displaced persons and refugees and with essential supplies and services becoming increasingly scarce and inadequate.
It is vital for all actors involved in the crisis to act responsibly and help find an immediate solution to the extremely serious situation in eastern Ukraine. They must support and facilitate the work of international operators, starting with the ICRC, in accordance with the rules and principles of international and humanitarian law.
