DHAKA: Almost 300 lorries of humanitarian aid have left the Moscow area bound for eastern Ukraine.

Russia has said, reports the BBC.

Russian media said the cargo, including hundreds of tonnes of grain, baby food, power generators and medicine, will go to civilians trapped by fighting in the area held by pro-Russia rebels.

Russian officials said the Ukrainian government had agreed to the operation.

Western powers have warned Russia not to use humanitarian assistance as a pretext to invade eastern Ukraine.

Russian president Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russia was launching a humanitarian mission in co-operation with the International Red Cross.

The Red Cross had acknowledged the situation in eastern Ukraine was critical with thousands of people reported to be without access to water, electricity and medical aid.

It said it had agreed in principle to such an operation, but made it clear the practical details needed to be clarified first.

BDST: 1235 HRS, AUG 12, 2014