US Condemns Russian Convoy Entering Ukraine

The United States has condemned the movement of Russian trucks into eastern Ukraine without the consent of the Ukrainian government.

The first trucks in the convoy supposedly carrying humanitarian aid had crossed in to Ukraine Friday and reached the city of Luhansk, officials said according to Voice of America.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that Russia's move violates Ukraine's sovereignty and integrity and the U.S was very concerned about the development.

"We strongly condemn this action and any actions that Russian forces take that increase tensions in the region," he said. "Russia should not send vehicles, persons or cargo of any kind into Ukraine, whether under the guise of humanitarian convoys or any other pretext, without Kiev's express permission," he added.

Kirby said that Russia must call back its vehicles and personnel from Ukraine territory immediately, failing which it will incur additional costs and isolation, reports Voice of America.

He was also apprehensive about the presence of more than 10,000 Russian troops along the Ukraine Border and said that the U.S. will decide on the future course after discussing  with its partners.

Releasing a statement from Brussels, the European Union too condemned Russia's move of entering Ukraine without that country' permission, saying that it  was a clear violation of the Ukrainian border, reports Bloomberg.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen denounced the move by Russia saying it was a deliberate  breach of Russia's international commitments and further violated Ukraine's sovereignty, reports  Los Angeles Times.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the action of moving the convoy without Ukraine governments permission and the planned escort by  Red Cross saying that the Ukrainian government had been unnecessarily delaying the task for more than a week.

Speaking to German Chancellor Angela Merkel over phone, Putin accused Ukraine of deliberate attempts to get in the way of delivery of the relief goods. Hence, Russia was forced to move in, he told Merkel, reports LA Times.

The German Chancellor is expected to visit Kiev on Saturday.