The occupation of Crimea has left most of the former Soviet republics in Cold War mode.
Leaders of the G7 economies have told Russia to stop its work on a referendum in Ukraine’s Crimea region or face action.
Pro-Russia troops have used gunfire in seizing a Ukraine military base, while Nato has declared early-warning flights around the east.
A senior Russian official appealed to the West after a far-right leader said he planned to run for president in Ukraine.
The external struggle to dominate Ukraine has put fascists in power and brought the country to the brink of conflict.
EU leaders have frozen assets belonging to deposed Ukraine leaders, and have warned Russia of sanctions if they do not pull troops out of Crimea.
Neo-Nazis are in office for the first time in post-war Europe – but they are backed by the US and the West.
If the situation in Ukraine has not been addressed appropriately, EU leaders say the organisation might place resctrictions on Russia.
President Vladimir Putin says Russia has reserved the right to use all options in Ukraine, but that Moscow would use force only as a last resort.
Contradicitng his earlier comments, Ukraine’s former president Viktor Yanukovych asked for an intervention in Crimea, says Russia’s UN ambassador.
Ukraine’s acting president has called on Moscow to halt the growing military presence in the Crimea region.
Events in Crimea have the potential to turn Ukraine into Europe’s worst security nightmare since the revolutions of 1989.
Arseny Yatseniuk says the announcement to invade Ukraine made by Russia’s Vladimir Putin was not a threat, but "the declaration of war to my country".
Russia’s decision to send troops into Ukraine has added an element of uncertainty to global markets. Here’s what is to look out for this week.
Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Parliament to approve force "in connection with the extraordinary situation in Ukraine".
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited a threat to Russian citizens and servicemen at its Black Sea fleet as a need to send in armed forces.
The US president has warned Russia’s head of state against military action in Ukraine after its new leaders accused it of deploying troops in Crimea.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has put combat troops on high alert for war near Ukraine in the Kremlin’s most powerful gesture yet.
One Olympic ring failed to unfurl but President Vladmir Putin nonetheless declared Russia’s Winter Games open under a burst of fireworks.
According to some reporters on Twitter, the Russian Olympics can be described in two words: epic fail. Here are nine hilarious #SochiProblems tweets.
Russia was ready to put on a grand show for the Winter Games when the Olympic torch arrived in Sochi despite concerns about gay rights and corruption.
The Olympic flame has reached Sochi, following a 65 000km route, the longest in the history of the Games.
Russia has offered assurances that the Syrian government will soon ship more toxic agents abroad for destruction.
A teenager described as a model student has shot a teacher and a police officer dead and took more than 20 of his schoolmates hostage.
The first round of peace talks has ended with no progess made on ending the civil war or commitment from the govt to return to the negotiating table.
Branded clothing has given athletes a way to oppose Russian laws on homosexuality without compromising their eligibility to compete at Sochi.
Elton John has told Russia’s President Vladimir Putin that he has met Russians abused under legislation banning "homosexual propaganda".
Syria: The long road to finding peace after years of war.
Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovich has tried to calm protest violence in Kiev that has claimed three lives. But the opposition remains sceptical.
British actor Hugh Laurie has prompted an outcry in Russia with a Twitter proposal to boycott vodka over President Vladimir Putin’s gay rights stance.
Russia has barred a US journalist who is critical of President Vladimir Putin for five years, saying he violated his visa regulations.
Russia has launched the largest security operation in Olympic history with one month to go before Vladimir Putin kicks off the Winter Games in Sochi.