Ukraine accuses Russia of 'invasion' as aid trucks move in

Ukraine on Friday accused Moscow of invading after Russia unilaterally sent the first part of its mammoth aid convoy into east Ukraine, warning against any attacks on the trucks.
      
Moscow called week-long delays in allowing the vehicles across the border an "outrage" as it ordered the convoy into rebel-held territory, despite Red Cross officials refusing to provide and escort because of security concerns.        

"This is a direct invasion," the head of Ukraine's security service, Valentyn Nalyvaychenko, was quoted by news agencies as saying.
      
Ukraine said all responsibility for the trucks' safety lay with Moscow, after Russia warned "against any attempts to disrupt a totally humanitarian mission."       

"The responsibility for any possible consequences of provocations against the humanitarian convoy lie completely with those who are ready to continue to sacrifice human lives for their ambitions and geopolitical plans," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.
      
Russia has been haggling with Ukraine over the convoy amid fears in Kiev and the West that the lorries could be used to bolster a flagging pro-Russian rebellion or provide a pretext for Russia to send in troops.        

Russia insists it just wants to get urgently needed assistance to residents in the stricken region who have been without water and electricity for weeks.        

Moscow said it was ready to have Red Cross officials accompany the convoy, but the organisation said it had backed out of the operation because of fierce fighting raging in the area where the trucks are heading.
      
"We are not part of the convoy in any way," Victoria Zotikova, the Red Cross...