Russia is planning to annex the Ukrainian region of Crimea, which has led to fears of a global conflict.
Russia is preparing to annex the Ukrainian region of Crimea, in a move that could lead to a global conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared the move after recent talks with his military chiefs and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The annexation will be announced by the Kremlin on October 28th and comes after a week of rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
What is going on in Ukraine?
The country has been locked in political turmoil since former President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power following months of protests in 2014. This led to Russia taking control over Crimea, which it then annexed. Since then, Ukraine has been split between two opposing sides: those who want closer ties with Europe and those who want closer ties with Russia.
How did we get here?
In January 2016, pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was forced out of office after violent protests. A new government was installed but Russia refused to recognise its legitimacy.
This sparked a separatist movement in eastern Ukraine which led to fighting between government forces and pro-Russian rebels. The crisis deepened when Moscow sent troops into eastern Ukraine and annexed Crimea.
Talks between the two sides have failed to resolve the situation so far.
