Russia Sends Aid to Kosovo Serbs

The first planeload of Russian humanitarian aid has arrived in Belgrade for delivery to the Serb minority in Kosovo.

The relief flights were ordered by President Putin after a request by the Serbian government.

Distribution will be carried out by the Serbian Red Cross.

"A plane left this morning at 0900 (0500 GMT) for Belgrade, with 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including baby food. It is for the Serbian population of Kosovo," said Veronika Smolskaya, of Russia's emergency situations ministry.

"We are planning more flights for a total of 140 tonnes of aid," she added.

Mr Putin had ordered the deliveries in March, after the Serbian government requested food, medicine and medical equipment.

Source: BBC NEWS Europe