Moscow, Shawwal 26, 1435, Aug 22, 2014, SPA -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected criticism by German Chancellor Angel Merkel of his decision to send in an aid convoy to eastern Ukraine without Kiev's concent, the Kremlin says in a statement. Putin told Merkel during a phone call that he had to make a decision after the Ukrainian government repeatedly delayed granting entry approval to Russian trucks carrying the aid, the Kremlin added, according to dpa. -- SPA 20:06 LOCAL TIME 17:06 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1265054