Russia will demand that the Ukrainian government open a humanitarian corridor in eastern Ukraine in order to help refugees that seek assistance from Russia, said Sergei Ivanov, the head of the Russian presidential administration, on Thursday.
Ivanov said refugees including the elderly, women and children, have asked for help from Russia, in absence of a humanitarian corridor. He confessed that Russia has provided them with assistance.
On Wednesday, pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's restive eastern regions took control of certain areas on the country's border with Russia, according to rebels of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.
In one instance, separatists reportedly settled into houses near Dmitrovka village at the border crossing, in the Shahtersk district of Donetsk.
Kiev authorities then proceeded to close eight border crossings with Russia, reported Ukraine's Unian Information Agency.
Tensions are running high in two eastern Ukraine regions after separatists declared independence from Kiev, following Russia's annexation of Crimea on March 21st.
Western countries have blamed Russia for instigating the conflict in Ukraine and supporting separatist groups, and have sought to punish Moscow by imposing economic sanctions.
www.aa.com.tr/en
