With Ukraine in turmoil and the United States and Russia warily eyeing each other's every move, the world seems to be on the brink of a prolonged confrontation similar to the Cold War. But is it?
Russia, accusing the West of supporting a coup d'état by "fascists" and "terrorists" in Kiev, has annexed Crimea, tested an inter-continental ballistic missile, and reserved the right to intervene militarily in eastern Ukraine to protect the Russian population there. The U.S. has sanctioned Russia and called Crimea's annexation illegal.
But it has also called for cooperation to resolve the situation peacefully and declared that Ukraine should pursue productive ties with both Russia and the West. So far, the Russians have dismissed those sentiments.