Source: Ria Novosti Twitter.

As Russia prepares to send its fourth “humanitarian” convoy to Eastern Ukraine, it is becoming increasingly apparent that any help offered by the country is unwanted by Ukrainians who identify themselves as such.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry demanded Russia to stop sending convoys with humanitarian aid to southeastern Ukraine, calling them “provocations.” – Ria Novosti, 24 September 2014.

Respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty as an independent country is the best course of action for Russia should it not wish to draw further scrutiny from the international community.

Source: Daily Mail.

In what seems to be only the latest controversial act of Russian aggression, reports suggest that the convoys themselves would not be subject to Ukrainian inspection as,

Russia barred State Border Guard Service officers and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross from examining the “humanitarian convoy” for Donbas residents, Ukraine’s Consul General in Rostov-upon-Don Vitalii Moskalenko said at the TV Channel ICTV. – Ukrainian News, 23 September 2014.

Source: Ria Novosti.

The Russian angle, regarding earlier convoy inspections, claims that,

The Russian side has repeatedly invited Ukrainian customs officials and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to inspect the cargo, but was turned down without explanation. – Ria Novosti, 20 September 2014.

Ultimately, the Russians at this point should be getting the hint that their presence, regardless of intent, is disconcerting to the locals. While the provision of aid is arguably needed, it should not be done via the Russian state at this time – which is seen as a threat to Ukrainian sovereignty, especially when you have convoys like those pictured above waving the Russian flag.