Russians Bearing Gifts

A column of some 280 Russian trucks carrying what is purported to be food, water and other supplies is heading from the Moscow area to eastern Ukraine, according to reports.   Ukraine and Western governments have warned Russia not to use the "humanitarian" shipments as a pretext to send military forces into the region.  European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, on behalf of the EU, warned Russia against using "humanitarian" aid as a cover for military intervention.  The Ukranians are insisting that Russia unload the cargo at the border to allow for Ukrainian and Red Cross distribution within eastern Ukraine.  This comes amid reports from the Ukranian government that Russia has 45,000 troops -- backed by armor, attack aircraft, missile systems and artillery -- massed on its shared border.  With distractions elsewhere in the world for the U.S., Russian autocrat Vladimir "Vlad the Invader" Putin may calculate that there's no time like the present to attempt the annexation of eastern Ukraine.  He's shown little restraint in recent months, but let's hope he backs down this time.