Tensions have been mounting between Russia and Ukraine in recent weeks, amid strong opposition from Russia over Ukraine’s efforts to join Nato, the US-led military coalition.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has now granted formal recognition to Donetsk and Luhansk, two breakaway quasi-states in eastern Ukraine. The move has been condemned by the US, UK and European Union, which are now expected to respond with coordinated sanctions.
But the deterioration in relations between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for a number of years, and the relationship between the two countries is very complex.
