Russian-backed rebels deny aid

The UN refugee agency on Friday criticized Russiabacked rebels in eastern Ukraine for shutting the door on international aid while the rebels said the ban was instituted to restore order. More than 8,000 people have been killed and more than two million displaced in the fighting between separatist rebels and Ukrainian government troops in eastern Ukraine. With the Ukrainian government shutting down all public services in the rebel-held areas, aid from international organizations has been crucial for residents there. The UNHCR said Friday that rebel leaders in Luhansk decided Wednesday to expel its staff along with other international agencies. The UNHCR deplored the decision and expressed hope it could be reversed.