Venezuela crisis: Red Cross set to begin crucial aid
News Line
Ukraine reports 5,276 new COVID-19 cases Zelensky: Every third Ukrainian considers road construction one of greatest achievements of 2021 Ukraine ready to implement Minsk agreements, but Russia's desire needed - Yermak Michel: EU unanimously agree to roll over economic sanctions against Russia Actions by Ukraine's partners will help prevent worst-case scenario - Zelensky COVID-19 in Ukraine: Health officials confirm 8,899 daily cases as of Dec 17 Macron tells Zelensky he declared support for Ukraine in call with Putin Zelensky, Scholz discuss gas transit through Ukraine after 2024 Ukraine ready for any format of talks with Russia - Zelensky Ukraine’s only journalist in Russia facing extremism charges - lawyer PM Shmyhal: First two applications for investment projects worth $96 million filed Zelensky, PM of Italy discuss security situation around Ukraine President signs off State Budget 2022 London considering all options for responding to Russia's aggression against Ukraine Putin, Biden to hold another round of talks Some 260,000 Ukrainians “victims of human trafficking” over 30 years - prosecutor general Ukraine plans to create center to protect energy infrastructure from cyber attacks No clear idea so far when Normandy Four top diplomats set to meet - German Ambassador Ukraine receives EUR 600M in macro-financial assistance from EU Zelensky holds phone conversation with PM of Israel Ukraine sets new daily COVID vaccination record MFA: European Union has not yet removed Ukraine from list of safe countries Kyiv records 1,023 new COVID-19 cases, 29 deaths G7 ambassadors welcome adoption of law on NABU status Ukraine can increase Covid vaccination rates to 1.5M a week – Liashko

The Red Cross (IFRC) says that it can begin distributing crucial aid supplies to crisis-hit Venezuela in two weeks.

IFRC head Francesco Rocca said the group could initially help 650,000 suffering a lack of food and medicine.

Much of the country has been hit by another blackout ahead of a march over the continuing electricity crisis.

The government has claimed the blackouts are the result of sabotage in an effort to force President Nicolás Maduro from office.

The power cuts have hit hospitals, public transport, water and other services, worsening a national economic crisis.

After Mr Maduro's government allowed the Red Cross to help, opposition leader Juan Guaidó responded by saying it had "recognised its failure by accepting the existence of a complex humanitarian emergency".

In February, Mr Maduro used the army to block an effort led by Mr Guaidó to bring in US-backed aid convoys.

Mr Guaidó, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim president in January, winning the support of more than 50 countries, including the US.

Mr Maduro regarded the aid convoys as a veiled US invasion.

What has the Red Cross said?
Speaking at a news conference in Caracas, Mr Rocca said: "We estimate that in a period of approximately 15 days we will be ready to offer help. We hope to help 650,000 people at first."

Mr Rocca said Venezuela had met the conditions for humanitarian work to be carried out.

Mr Rocca said the IFRC would need to be able to act with "impartiality, neutrality and independence" and no interference.

Mr Guaidó said on Twitter that the IFRC announcement was a "great victory in our struggle".

Mr Maduro has yet to comment publicly on the move but, the BBC's Will Grant says, is likely to paint it as the consequence of a Washington-backed economic war.

The US welcomed the announcement as a "real opportunity" and said it would be "happy to put some of our aid into this method of reaching the Venezuelan people".

Hyperinflation and a lack of supplies has meant food and medicine are often unaffordable, leading to malnutrition.