In this edition: the Russian aid convoy in Ukraine divides online opinion; Chinese stars targeted by Beijing’s anti-drugs campaign; and a diver swims with a shoal of manta rays.
RUSSIAN AID CONVOY: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ?
After being immobilised at the Ukrainian-Russian border for a week, the two hundred and eighty lorries sent by Russia to supply the east of Ukraine with humanitarian aid, finally entered the country on Friday. The authorities in Kiev did not authorise the entry and regard this operation as a way for Moscow to smuggle military supplies to pro-Russian separatists, located mainly in Luhansk. The controversial convoy has since returned to Russia but continues to divide opinion online.
Some net users do not understand why the convoy was not granted entry, considering that Ukraine is in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Others however, express concern as to the content of the lorries sent from Russia. They recall that only thirty four vehicles were able to be inspected by Ukrainian customs officials. Twitter users compare the Russian convoy to a Trojan horse, sent to help prepare for military action in the east of Ukraine. Many have expressed this idea through photomontages.
This theory is described as absurd by the Russian authorities, who attempted to show their good intentions by publishing infographics clearly outlining the nature of goods transported by the convoy, which Moscow claims contains 1,800 tonnes of foodstuffs. The convoy of hundreds of lorries finally returned to Russia on Saturday, after unloading its cargo in Luhansk. This controversy occurs at a time when tensions between Russia and Ukraine are running high. More air strikes hit central Donetsk on Sunday, killing several civilians and causing severe damage, as shown... Go on reading on our web site.
Visit our website:
http://www.france24.com
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English
Follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/France24_en
