Huge grain stockpile burned by Ukrainian militants

MOSCOW: The Russian Defence Ministry has accused Ukrainian "militants of the nationalist battalions" of deliberately setting fire to a large granary in Mariupol's sea port while fleeing from Russian forces.

According to a ministry statement, the alleged act of arson was down to the unwillingness of the "militants" to leave grain supplies to Mariupol's residents. As a result, according to the military, more than 50,000 tonnes of grains were destroyed, RT reported.

"This inhuman crime demonstrates to the entire world community the 'true face' of the Kiev regime, which, in fact, uses the methods of food terrorism against its own people," it claimed.

The ministry said the destruction was committed as the "so-called civilized West" continues to support Kiev while accusing Russia of stoking a global food crisis, RT reported.

The Defense Ministry stressed that Russian forces during their "special military operation" support the civilian population, treat it humanely and "do not strike at the social infrastructure of the country, unlike the Ukrainian armed formations."

Since the launch of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, Moscow and Kiev have accused each other of various war crimes, while denying their own liability.

The Donetsk People's Republic authorities reported earlier that the firefighters failed to save the grain stock despite several days of efforts.