By Ali Murat Alhas
ANKARA (AA) – Spain on Sunday sent two military cargo planes loaded with tons of supplies to Ukraine as Russian forces continued their advance on the fourth day of the military intervention.
In a statement, the government said two A400M military cargo planes left the Torrejon Air Base for Poland with 20,000 kilograms of personal protection equipment and medical supplies.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles was present during the departure of planes with aid material that is bound for Ukraine.
Turkiye's state-run Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) also sent a humanitarian aid convoy to Ukraine.
Five trucks of humanitarian aid, including food, hygiene materials and tents, crossed the Hamzabeyli Border Gate in northwestern Edirne province.
Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Turkiye will continue its efforts to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. "On the fourth day of the Ukraine war, we repeat President Erdoğan’s call for an immediate halt of Russian attacks and the start of ceasefire negotiations. We will continue our efforts to help the people of Ukraine and end bloodshed in this unjust and unlawful war," he said in a tweet.
Russia’s intervention on Thursday came just days after it recognized two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine.
At least 368,000 Ukrainians have fled the country to Poland, Hungary, Romania, Moldova and other countries since then, according to UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi.
In a tweet, he said "the governments and people of those countries are welcoming refugees. It is now urgent to share this responsibility in concrete ways."
Western powers have imposed financial sanctions on Moscow, and decided to supply Ukraine with weapons and ammunition.