2014-08-18 19:07:00

Ukraine says rebels attack civilian convoy


(Vatican Radio) Ukraine says pro-Russia separatists have attacked a convoy of civilians fleeing fighting in the east of the country, killing many people. The alleged violence came after Kiev said it had recaptured more territory from the rebels, raising doubts whether a Russian humanitarian aid convoy would reach its destination. 

Ukraine's National Security Council said pro-Russia rebels fired rockets and mortars on civilians  trying to flee fierce fighting in eastern Ukraine. 

Kiev claimed women and children were among the many killed in the attack. 

The barrage happened on the main road leading from the besieged city of Luhansk to Russia. That route was expected to be used by a convoy carrying Russian humanitarian aid. 

RED CROSS WAITS 

But the International Committee of the Red Cross said no vehicles would leave before they received security guarantees from all sides. 

There was more bloodshed Monday with Ukraine's military saying it encircled the rebel-held town of Horlivka while recapturing settlements. Horlivka, with more than 230,000 residents, is strategic as it lies near the main road linking the cities Donetsk and Luhansk. 

Reports of ongoing clashes overshadowed talks in Berlin between the Ukrainian, Russian, French and German foreign ministers. 

Yet, Germany's Frank-Walter Steinmeier didn't give up hope. “Our aim remains to do all we possibly can to bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine, and to avoid further casualties in the future as far as possible,” he said, adding that the door remains open for more talks." 

MOSCOW HELPING REBELS?

Kiev accuses Moscow of helping pro-Russia separatists with troops and military hardware. 

Ukraine said Monday rebels had for the first time fired back with a powerful Russian-made Uragan missile system south east of Donetsk. 

Moscow denies involvement. 

It says Kiev, backed by Western allies, subjects millions of Russian-speakers in eastern Ukraine to bombardments and shortages of water and power.    

Listen to the report by Stefan Bos:

 

 








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