Officials in Kiev said they would not allow a convoy of Russian trucks carrying humanitarian supplies to cross onto Ukraine's territory.

Russia dispatched the aid convoy to deliver food, medicines, generators and sleeping bags to thousands of people affected by fighting in eastern Ukraine between government forces and pro-Russian rebels.

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But an aide to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said instead of letting the Russian trucks take the aid directly to rebel-held territory, the government would arrange for other transport vehicles to pick up the cargo at the border.

"We will not allow any escort by the emergencies ministry of Russia or by the military. Everything will be under the control of the Ukrainian side," the presidential aide, Valery Chaly, said.

Ukraine fears that Russia could use the humanitarian mission to secretly send reinforcements to the rebels, who have lost control of several towns to advancing government troops.

NATO warned on Monday that there was a "high probability" that Moscow might stage an invasion into Ukraine amid reports of Russian troop buildup at the border.

European Union's humanitarian aid commissioner, Kristalina Georgieva, said the Russian convoy should not contain anything other than humanitarian aid.

"No political or any other objectives must be pursued," Georgieva told journalists.

U.N. agencies said the conflict in eastern Ukraine has killed more than 1,000 people since April.

Of those killed more than 550 were government soldiers, according to figures from the military.

The fighting has also left thousands of people in dire need of water, medical supplies and electricity.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he hoped the international community would be able to get Ukraine and Russia to work together to deal with the escalating humanitarian crisis.

But in Australia, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop warned any attempt by Moscow to exploit the humanitarian situation to pursue its goals on Ukraine would be condemned "in the strongest possible terms."

Tagsrussia-ukraine, ukraine conflict