MOSCOW — A convoy of more than 260 Russian trucks reportedly packed with aid rumbled toward the border with Ukraine on Tuesday, but Kiev said the goods would only be allowed in if they were inspected by the international Red Cross.
The tug-of-war over humanitarian aid to Ukraine’s rebel-held eastern regions reflected deeper issues than just the need for food, water and shelter in a war-wracked zone where apartment buildings are being hit daily by rockets.
Although all sides agree that the aid is sorely needed, Ukraine and the West fear that Russia could use the move as a cover for sending troops into the separatist-held territory. NATO has warned about the risk of intervention, citing thousands of combat-ready Russian troops along the Ukrainian border.
In any case, tons of Russian aid moving toward Ukraine was surely a visual public relations coup for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has so far resisted calls from both Ukrainian separatists and nationalists at home to send Russian troops to eastern Ukraine.