"Russian-backed mercenaries de facto blocked international humanitarian aid intended for the residents of the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. This is a real humanitarian crime against the people who have become hostages of the terrorists," said Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk at a meeting with representatives of international humanitarian organizations on Thursday, October 1.

"Ukraine calls upon the international community to maximize joint efforts to open access to humanitarian aid for the residents of the occupied territories," said the Head of the Ukrainian Government.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed that terrorists stopped the flow of support to people who desperately need it. This fact is another proof of how cynical the intentions of Russian criminals are: terrorists are not interested in people, their actions undermine peace and exacerbate the humanitarian situation in the region.

He stressed the need to jointly put pressure on the Kremlin, "which controls its puppets": "This issue must be one of the main elements of the negotiations that will take place soon in the Normandy format at the highest level."

The meeting with the foreign humanitarian partners discussed the urgent practical steps that must be taken together in order to alleviate the suffering and trials of residents of the affected areas and IDPs.

The representatives of humanitarian organizations have noted actions undertaking by the Ukrainian authorities to respond to the difficulties caused by the Russian aggression, as well as facilitating of procedures for the transfer of humanitarian aid. Following the talks further steps and initiatives in this area have been agreed.