Mediaboss Marketing

Watch more news videos | Latest world newsCopy

Russia pressed Ukraine to call a ceasefire in its battle to wrest control of eastern Ukraine from rebels, but Ukraine's leaders responded today with defiance.

A great war has come, the likes of which Europe has not seen since the Second World War, Ukrainian Defense Minister Valeriy Heletey said on his Facebook page today.

Heletey's comments implied that Ukraine was entering combat with Russia. Ukraine and NATO allege that Russia has sent troops and armor across the border when it appeared that pro-Russian rebels were losing to Urkaine's military forces.

On another front, Russia's actions have prompted NATO to form a 4,000 troop "spearhead" force to counter any Russian aggression.

Here's what we know so far:

What is going on in Ukraine?

Ukraine's momentum was abruptly reversed last week as the Ukraie military was closing in on the rebels strongholds Donetsk and Luhansk. Since then, the rebels opened up a new front further south seizing the city of Novoazovsk, and menacing the port city of Mariupol.

Officials in Kiev and Western countries allege Russia has sent in troops and equipment to bolster the pro-Russia rebels, but Moscow denies it and rejects suggestions that it can wield influence over the rebels.

How many Russian troops are currently in Ukraine?

Originally posted here:
Ukraine Battleground: What We Know Now