It has been determined by US military intelligence that Russia has amassed some 70,000 troops close to its border with Ukraine, sparking fears of a possible invasion.
Russia claims it has no interest in invading, with US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin set to talk on the phone today, December 7.
Throughout the autumn Russia was conducting war games in the region and troops have remained ever since, causing concern in Kiev about Russia's intentions.
Tensions between the geographical neighbours have flared up in recent weeks, however this isn't the start of hostilities between the two nations.
When did the Russo-Ukrainian conflict start?
The Russo-Ukrainian conflict began in 2014 and has, at varying levels of intensity, been bubbling away ever since. The fighting has seen cities reduced to rubble and left thousands dead.
An Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report in February 2020 said: "OHCHR estimates the total number of conflict-related casualties in Ukraine to be 41,000–44,000: 13,000-13,200 killed (at least 3,350 civilians, an estimated 4,100 Ukrainian forces and an estimated 5,650 members of armed groups); and 29,000-31,000 injured."
Why does Russia 'want to Invade' Ukraine?
Russia is concerned about Ukraine wanting to join the Western military alliance NATO as it would see American influence grow in Eastern Europe: Russia's back yard.
The reason there is tension between the two goes back decades, however the recent spate of hostility began in 2014 when Ukrainian pro-European protestors overthrew their pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych.
In 2014 Russia forcibly took control of Crimea, a piece of contested land that both Russia and Ukraine historically lay claim to. Known as an annexation, it was taken over out by masked soldiers wearing unmarked green uniforms who became known as 'little green men'. It is believed by some they were part of the Russian military.
The following month in the Donbas region in the east of Ukraine, an area with strong linguistic and historical ties with Russia, locals and separatist forces backed by Russia conducted protests that escalated into full blown armed conflict with the Ukrainian military.
Was Ukraine part of Russia?
In modern history Ukraine has not technically been part of Russia, however they were both a part of the Soviet Union which in turn had its capital as Moscow, now the capital of Russia.
It wasn't until 1991 with the fall of the Soviet Union that Ukraine gained its independence and was able to join the free market economy.
Going back a little earlier to the 18th century, much of Ukraine was conquered by the Russian Empire.
Where is Ukraine on a map?
Ukraine is located in eastern Europe with its western border meeting Poland's east. To its north lies Belarus and its east, Russia. To the south it borders with Romania, Moldova and the Black Sea.
It also has small borders with Hungary and Slovakia.
It is a long and narrow country which is, after Russia, the largest country in Europe in terms of landmass.
Crimea is a peninsular to the south of the Ukrainian landmass and a short hop across the Azov sea west from mainland Russia.
