After an extend exchange of accusations between the Ukrainian and Russian governments the long disputed Russian convoy trucks has entered Ukrainian territory without the permission of the Ukrainian government or the sponsorship of the International Red Cross.
Ukraine accuses Russia of 'direct invasion' after aid convoy crosses border without permission
Ukraine's security chief has accused Russia of a "direct invasion", claiming a disputed aid convoy Moscow sent across the border is being used to smuggle weapons to pro-Kremlin insurgents.
Up to 90 trucks carrying aid to civilians in rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine have crossed the border on their way to the rebel stronghold of Luhansk.
Kiev and Moscow have been at loggerheads for more than a week over a convoy of 280 Russian trucks carrying water, food and medicine.
Ukraine and Western leaders have expressed concern Russia will use the vehicles to smuggle in weapons to rebels in the area who have been battling government forces for more than four months – an accusation Moscow denies.
The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), which both Moscow and Kiev had agreed should supervise the convoy, said it would not escort the trucks "due to the volatile security situation".
Russia says the aid trucks contain food, medical supplies, water and some clothing.
Moscow has expressed impatience with holdups at the frontier.
"All excuses to delay sending aid have been exhausted. The Russian side has taken the decision to act," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.
Since the trucks crossed at a rebel help border point and are crossing rebel held territory, it is unlikely that there will be an inspection of what is really in them. There is no question that the civilians in the besieged areas are in need of relief supplies. The question is what else is going on.
There were earlier reports of some distinctly military Russian vehicles crossing the border. One thing seems pretty clear is that the various sanctions imposed against Russia by the US and the EU haven't done much to subdue Putin's determination. His response has been to declare Ronnie McDonald persona non grata.