The Russia-Ukraine conflict entered a new stage on Feb. 21 after Russia moved to end the Minsk peace deal by formally recognizing eastern Ukraine’s two separatist republics as independent states. In response, the West has announced the first round of economic sanctions against Moscow over the crisis. With the prospect of Russian troops crossing into Ukrainian-controlled territory now a distinct possibility, the potential escalation or de-escalation of the conflict will hinge on the evolution of the Donbas conflict, Russia's military buildup near Ukraine, Western-Russian diplomatic contacts and Western sanctions in the coming days. ...
