Russia-Ukraine Tensions: A Visual Anthology

The unprecedented buildup of Russian forces near Ukraine, specifically in Belarus, has left the world on edge — and wondering if Russia will invade the former Soviet state. 

On Jan. 24, NATO announced it was sending more fighter jets and ships to Eastern Europe amid the amassment of over 100,000 Russian forces at the Ukrainian border. 8,500 U.S. troops have also been put on heightened alert for potential deployment if Russia invades Ukraine. Meanwhile, more Russian troops and equipment continue to arrive just north of Ukraine in Belarus ahead of joint military exercises scheduled for Feb. 10-20.

As the threat of a Russian invasion grows day by day, we look back at recent images from the standoff between the West and Russia over Ukraine, as well as the long-simmering war between Kyiv and Russia-backed separatists in the country’s east.