Conflict in Ukraine
- The crisis in Ukraine was triggered by former President Viktor Yanukovych's decision not forge a closer relationship with the European Union in November 2013.
- This decision has led to guerrilla conflict, the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia and an exodus of people living in the country's east.
- NATO reported in November that Russian tanks, artillery and air defense systems have poured into Ukraine.
- U.S. Gen. Philip Breedlove is concerned that borders between the Soviet allies was now "completely wide open," allowing Moscow to potentially bolster rebels in eastern Ukraine who are skirmishing with government troops despite a cease-fire.
- According to the United Nations the violence in Ukraine has killed at least 4,300 people and displaced one million others.