The leaders of the separatist Luhansk People's Republic have expelled most foreign humanitarian organisations from eastern Ukraine.

At least 10 agencies are affected, including the UN and Doctors Without Borders.

The reason for their expulsion is not clear.

But rebels have long been suspicious of foreign aid agencies, some of which they have accused of being spies.

Pro-Russia separatists occupied Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine after rebels began battling government forces in April last year.

The decision to ban aid agencies will make it especially difficult for people because of the upcoming harsh winter weather.

And the UN is warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.

So, what's the reason behind the ban? And what does this mean for civilians caught up in the 17-month conflict?

Presenter - Jane Dutton


Petro Burkovsky - Deputy head of Analysis and Information Division, National Institute for Strategic Studies.

Pavel Felgenhauer - defence analyst and columnist for the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

Bart Janssens - Director of Operations, Doctors Without Borders.

Source: Al Jazeera