Donetsk, Mar 2 – DAN. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM) will help the Donetsk People’s Republic expand the humanitarian programme, a DPR official said on Thursday.

“Aid packages will be provided to vulnerable population groups, pensioners, disabled children and single parent families,” DPR Emergencies Minister Alexey Kostrubitskiy told a news briefing on Donetsk, adding that the list of distributed food products would expand thanks to Russian humanitarian assistance.

Distribution to certain population groups is to begin in two weeks. Priority will be given to children under three years of age. DPR authorities promised minimum formalities; the recipient only has to show his or her passport and the child’s birth certificate.

An earlier report said DPR authorities exposed “gross violations” of storage conditions at Pomozhem humanitarian foundation and that an inspection and stocktaken were immediately launched. The authorities noted high humidity, mould and lack of ventilation at Pomozhem warehouses. ‘Pomozhem’ baby food stock passed expiry date. *jk