© Reuters / Alexander DemianchukA Russian border guard opens a gate in front of a truck from a convoy that delivered humanitarian aid for Ukraine on its return to Russia at border crossing point "Donetsk" in Russia's Rostov Region August 23, 2014.
"We express our satisfaction that the Russian humanitarian aid for those in need in southeastern Ukrainian south-east has been delivered as intended.We were motivated only by the goal of helping civilian citizens in need," the statement read.
The Foreign Ministry also said that they were "getting a lot of feedback from the residents of Lugansk, who were thankful for such a good attitude from the Russian part."
It also underlined that the Russian representatives of the Red Cross were in close cooperation with the leadership and employees of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), and the ICRC has proved to be "a responsible partner."
All trucks have returned empty, Ukrainian and Russian border guards confirmed, Russian Deputy Emergency Minister Eduard Chizhikov said.
"There were 227 trucks in the humanitarian operation participating in the operation, and they have all returned. All those vehicles have been searched by the representatives of the customs and border control, both on the Ukrainian and Russian side. No issues have been pointed out. All vehicles were empty upon returning, and the media representatives checked that, too, while they were filming the search," Chizhikov stated.
The ICRC has expressed its readiness to help with the distribution of aid across the regions in need.
The Ministry has also reacted to the comment of NATO General Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen that the humanitarian convoy entered Ukraine without consent from the authorities in Kiev and ICRC involvement, describing his words as "another lie."
Russia's Defense Ministry has denied "another portion of accusations" by representatives of NATO against Russia. The latest claims include allegations that Russia directly involved its military and heavy weaponry in fighting on the Ukrainian territory.
"We've stopped paying attention to Mr. Rasmussen's empty talk and his press secretary. There is no point commenting on them. There is no proof there except Twitter," official representative of Russia's Defense Ministry Igor Konashenkov stated.
"I would like to remind you that the official powers of Mr. Rasmussen ended on July 31, and today he's acting not so much for the alliance, but as the organizer of the September 4 NATO summit in Wales. We understand that his prospects will depend on the promotion of that event," the statement also said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed "the intention to continue cooperation with the ICRC in the efforts to provide the humanitarian aid for the residents of southeastern Ukraine."
Lugansk residents have already expressed hope that Russia will provide more humanitarian aid in the future, first vice premier of the Lugansk People's Republic Vasily Nikitin told RIA Novosti.
"We don't have any food left, and we hope that Russia won't leave us in this situation and these humanitarian convoys containing food will become commonplace. We hope for the help, and we need it," Nikitin stated.
© RIA Novosti / Igor ErmachenkovTrucks with Russia's humanitarian aid for Ukraine's south-east are unloaded in Lugansk on August 22, 2014.
The convoy approached the Russian-Ukrainian border on August 14, and only entered Ukraine a week later, as Kiev had been postponing its final approval for the trucks to go ahead.
of course the u.s. govt sponsored, spoon-fed, lying media won't ever, ever say the words "humanitarian aid" in regards to the Russian convoy into e. Ukraine... if they (NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, Fox, MSNBC, AJ, Reuters, et al) dare go against the white house script, they're assured to lose the first row seats currently occupied in the w.h. press room... no press integrity = dumbed-down populace
as for that weasel, fog-of-war rasmussen, just another needle-dick empty suit