Russian aid convoy drives into Ukraine

Ukraine accuses Russia of invading country

• Red cross said it has not received enough security guarantees to escort the convoy
• Our column with humanitarian aid is starting to move in the direction of Luhansk, says Russia

Izvaryne (Ukraine): Russia unilaterally sent an aid mission into rebel-held eastern Ukraine on Friday, saying its patience had worn out after a week of delays it blamed on the Ukrainian government.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which had planned to escort the convoy to assuage fears that it was being used as a cover for an invasion by Russia, said it had not received enough security guarantees to escort the convoy.

Trucks loaded with water, generators and sleeping bags sent from Moscow are intended for civilians in the city of Luhansk, where pro-Russian separatist fighters are besieged by government forces. Shelling of the city has been ongoing for weeks.

An Associated Press reporter saw a priest blessing the first truck in the convoy at the rebel-held checkpoint and then climbing into the passenger seat. A rebel commander on the scene said 34 trucks had gone through. On the Russia side of the border, an Associated Press reporter counted another 32 vehicles going into the customs zone.The vehicles' immediate destination was not known and it was not clear whether Kiev had granted its approval. "The Russian side has decided to act," said a statement on the Russian foreign ministry's website. "Our column with humanitarian aid is starting to move in the direction of Luhansk."

The Red Cross said in a statement on its Twitter account that it is not escorting the convoy due to security concerns, as shelling had continued overnight. "We've not received sufficient security guarantees from the fighting parties," it said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has accused Russia of a "flagrant violation of international law" after Russian humanitarian aid lorries entered Ukraine without permission.

In a statement, President Poroshenko said a column of more than 100 vehicles entered Ukrainian territory without a customs inspection, without border control or International Red Cross escort, which is a flagrant violation of international law.

Ukraine's security chief Valentyn Nalyvaychenko said it was a "direct invasion" but no force would be used against the convoy as it wished to avoid "provocations".