Pro-Russian Separatism Remains a Threat in Eastern Ukraine

Pro-Russian separatism in eastern Ukraine remains the primary challenge for the Ukrainian government, with some regions moving further beyond Kiev's political and security control. Acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov said April 30 during a meeting with regional governors that the country's security forces are unable to "take the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions under control," adding that the Ukrainian army has been put on combat alert.

Despite the relatively small size of the pro-Russian armed groups in the east, Ukraine is not in a position to impose its will. The degree to which Kiev and its Western backers are willing to compromise on key political issues with Moscow will determine how aggressive Russia will be in its military posturing and future support of armed groups in eastern Ukraine.