Russia is sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine in collaboration with representatives of the Red Cross International Committee, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a statement addressed to European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso.

In his statement delivered to Barroso over the phone, Putin insisted that eastern Ukraine is in need of an immediate humanitarian mission because of the catastrophic consequences of the Kiev military operation, ABC News reported.

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Pro-russia separatists called for a ceasefire in the region as Kiev's troops surrounded the city of Donetsk, the large rebel's stronghold. People in the region are facing shortage of water, food, electricity, and medical aid as a consequence of the ongoing fighting.

Western countries are suspicious of the motive of Moscow, thinking the latter will use it as an excuse for a military intervention in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. However, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the convoy will not carry armed personnel or military escort.

The aid will be sent with the assistance of the Red Cross and with the agreement of Kiev, Peskov added.

Western leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister David Cameron and U.S. President Barack Obama said any independent move made by Russia in Ukraine territory would be considered as illegal and unacceptable.

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko gave the green light for the participation of both European Union and Russia in the aid mission but stated clearly that the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) should assist the international effort.

Kiev released a statement saying President Obama confirmed the U.S.' active role in the international humanitarian mission in eastern Ukraine together with other western countries.

Obama expressed his support for Poroshenko's actions, particularly his initiative for the humanitarian mission to Luhansk.

Based on some reports, the ICRC already met with Ukrainian and Russian authorities and talked about the details of the humanitarian aid mission.

TagsRussia, Ukraine vs. Russia, Putin, Obama