Ukraine: Photographs of the so-called “Green Men”, the armed pro-Russians who have occupied government buildings in Eastern Ukraine, prove that they are actually Russian soldiers and intelligence agents, according to the Ukraine and US governments. Despite denials from the Kremlin, the gunmen are equipped in some cases the same as gunmen who first occupied Crimea described by the Russian government as “Crimean self-defense forces.” Some of the men whose pictures have been taken in Eastern Ukraine show up in pictures of Russian forces taken in other locations.

  Russia agreed last week to urge the removal of gunmen occupying Ukraine government facilities, but so far has not. And the Kremlin has insisted, as it did with Crimea, that Russian forces are not involved in Eastern Ukraine.

The tactic of sending in Russian soldiers disguised as something else is an old trick. They did it during the civil war in Chechnya.

The NY Times reports that as a result of Russia’s behavior, the Obama administration is considering a return to something resembling a Cold War relationship with Russia, isolating its leader Vladimir Putin and cutting Russia out of the world economy and finance markets wherever possible.

Ferry Disaster: As recovery efforts continue, the finger pointing is well under way. Some South Koreans are blaming their government for a poor emergency response to the sinking of the ferry last week. South Korean President Park Geun-hye said today that the captain and some of the crew of the sunken ferry committed “unforgivable, murderous behavior.” Four more members of the crew have been arrested, bringing the total to seven. The number of confirmed dead is now 86.

One Year Later: The Boston Marathon runs today through a massive security gauntlet a year after the bombing that killed three people and wounded 260. The pack of starters was expected to be 36,000, about 9,000 more than usual, running before half a million spectators.

Grounded: Following an avalanche that killed 13 Sherpas and left three missing on Mt. Everest, The Discovery Network and NBC have cancelled a show that was going to feature a man jumping off the summit in a wing suit. A statement from Discovery spokeswoman Laurie Goldberg said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sherpa community.” She neglected to mention that some of the Sherpas who died were working for Discovery. Joby Ogwyn, the man who was supposed to make the jump said he lost his Sherpa team in the avalanche. “These men were the salt of the earth. Far better men than me. My heart is broken,” he said.

The Continuing War: Drone strikes over the weekend killed about 40 suspected members of al Qaeda in Yemen. A strike yesterday hit a training camp, killing an estimated 30 suspected terrorists. On Saturday a drone strike killed 10 suspected members of al Qaeda and three civilians.

In the Unlikely Event: Hawaiian Airlines says a teenage boy survived the five-hour flight from San Jose, Calif. to Maui yesterday, riding in the wheel well of the aircraft. Jetliners fly as high as 40,000 feet, where it’s extremely cold and the air is thin.

Yum Rum: The US government has approved for sale a new powdered alcohol called “Palcohol.” Just add water. The company’s website cheerily says, it’s “A great convenience for the person on the go.” In other words, good for sneaking into football stadiums, airplanes, and teenage pool parties. Palcohol will come in vodka, and rum, as well as instant cocktails Lemon Drop, Cosmopolitan, Mojito and Margarita. Salt not included.

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