Russia, Ukraine Conduct Civilian Exchange in Belarus with ICRC Assistance

MINSK, August 13. /TASS/. Another civilian exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place in Belarus, the BelTA news agency reported. Eight people went to Russia, while seven returned to Ukraine. The humanitarian exchange took place at the Novaya Guta checkpoint on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border. According to BelTA, the civilians received hot meals including soup and a main course, as well as drinking water and fruit. The humanitarian mission was accompanied by the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Russia and Belarus. Assem Elessawy, the ICRC Regional Delegation's deputy head of operations, stressed the importance of such humanitarian operations in reuniting families and returning people to their countries of citizenship. In some cases, he said, people experience difficulties with transportation. "For example, they cannot return home on their own. We can provide this kind of support by arranging transport, regular or specialized, depending on the request. We handle every case individually, from the route to ensuring the necessary conditions," BelTA quoted him as saying. Belarusian ambulance crews are on duty at the checkpoint. Paramedics are ready to provide necessary assistance and advice to civilians. More than 70 exchanges between Russia and Ukraine have taken place in Belarus in recent years, BelTA reported.