+ A closer look into what is happening in the Ukraine

+ Where is Ukraine?

+ Let’s look at Ukraine’s recent past. Ukraine was part of the USSR (Soviet Union) up until 1990.

+ In July 1990, Ukraine gained Independence from Russia. After struggling for a few years, by the late 1990’s Ukraine’s economy started to grow and prosperity rose. Then, in 2004 something big happened!

+ THE ORANGE REVOLUTION Victor Yushchenko PRO-EUROPEAN

+ THE ORANGE REVOLUTION Viktor Yanukovych PRO-RUSSIA

+ THE ORANGE REVOLUTION Pro-Russian Yanukovich ‘won’ an election that was widely seen as rigged. MANY PEOPLE WERE NOT HAPPY!

+ THE ORANGE REVOLUTION Many Pro-European citizens protested. They all wore Orange clothing to show their support for the Presidential candidate they supported: Yushchenko

+ THE ORANGE REVOLUTION The Pro-European protesters were victorious Yushchenko became the President of Ukraine!

+ THE ORANGE REVOLUTION But not before he became mysteriously ill from dioxin poisoning…

+ Which brings us back to the present. Yushchenko remained the President of Ukraine until 2010 when his arch-rival, Yanukovich, finally managed to win an election. 21 November 2013: President Yanukovich's cabinet announces that it is abandoning an agreement that would strengthen trade ties with the EU, and will instead seek closer co-operation with Russia. Here, Yanukovich is seen with President Putin of Russia.

+ Timeline of recent events. 24 November: Protests gather pace, with 100,000 people attending a demonstration in Kiev. 30 November: Police launch their first raid on protesters, arresting 35 people. 17 December: Putin meets with Yanukovych, and agrees to give Ukraine an economic lifeline of $15bn to help pay off their debt. Yanukovych takes the money.

+ Worrisome Winter 16 January 2014: Ukraine's parliament makes it illegal to protest. 22 January: The unrest turns deadly for the first time as two people die from gunshot wounds after clashes with police. 16 February: Protesters evacuate Kiev city hall after occupying the building since December 1st, along with other public buildings in the regions.

+ Fighting in February 20 February: Central Kiev sees the worst violence yet, and the death toll in 48 hours of clashes rises to at least 77. Hundreds more are wounded. Video shows uniformed snipers firing at protesters holding makeshift shields.

+ Fleeing in February 21 February: President Yanukovych signs EU-mediated peace pact with opposition leader, promising a new national unity government. 22 February: Events move quickly as protesters take control of presidential administration buildings and parliament votes to remove Yanukovich, who suddenly fleas the country.

+ Flip-Flop in February 23 February: Ukraine appoints Pro-European speaker Olexander Turchynov as interim president. Russia puts 150,000 troops on high alert

+ Fear in February 27 February: Unidentified gunmen in combat uniforms appear outside Crimea's main airports, sparking fears of Russian military intervention. 27 February: Russian Army seizes Crimea parliament, raise Russian flag. Militia take control of two airports.

+ Crimea Whilst Crimea is technically a part of Ukraine, there are many Russian speakers who support Putin over the new Ukrainian Government. Russia also has a massive naval base in the region which it would be very reluctant to lose. Ethnic Groups (2001 Census): Russians: 58.5% Ukranians: 24.4% Crimean Tartars: 12.1%

+ March Madness begins… 1 March: Russia's parliament approves a request by President Vladimir Putin to use Russian forces across Ukraine.

+ March Madness 2 March: US President Barack Obama tells his Putin that Russia has disobeyed international law by sending troops to Ukraine. In a 90-minute telephone conversation, Mr Obama urges the Russian leader to pull forces back to bases in Crimea. Putin responds by saying that Moscow reserves the right to protect its interests and those of Russian heritage in Ukraine.

+ March Madness 3 March: Russia's military gives Ukrainian forces a deadline to surrender or face an assault, Ukrainian defence sources said.

+ March Madness 4 March: Ukrainian military bases in Crimea are surrounded by soldiers apparently in Russian uniforms who prevent Ukrainian soldiers from entering or leaving. 5 March: Talks in Paris between Russia and Western powers end without agreement. 6 March: Crimea’s leadership votes to join Russia Barack Obama orders sanctions against those responsible in Moscow 16 March: Referendum held in Crimea shows overwhelming support for joining Russian Federation 24 March: Ukraine pulls troops from Crimea

+ Crisis continues… March 27: UN General Assembly passes a Resolution that declares the Crimean referendum invalid and the incorporation of Crimea into Russia illegal. Aprill 15: Ukranian parliament declared Crimea as a territory temporarily occupied by Russia April 18: The United States, Russia, Ukraine and the EU reach deal for illegal armed groups to disarm and end occupations of public buildings and spaces. April 26: G7 leaders agree to impose extra sanctions on Russia over Ukraine. Yesterday: Moscow voices concern over an "unprecedented" increase in US and Nato military activity near Russian borders

+ What might happen next?  Frankly, only time will tell.  One thing is certain, however, the situation is incredibly volatile.  According to Britain’s Foreign Minister, William Hague: “This is the biggest crisis in Europe in the 21st century.”