What is behind the surge in hostility between Moscow and Kyiv?
Tensions are rising ominously in eastern Ukraine. Fighting has surged along the line of contact between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists. Kyiv has cracked down internally on perceived Russian sympathizers. Russia has moved thousands of troops near the border with Ukraine, prompting Kyiv to turn to NATO with calls for support. Many are painting the situation as an early test of the Biden administration’s mettle.
What is behind the surge in hostility between Moscow and Kyiv? How likely is full-scale warfare between Russia and Ukraine? And what is at stake for the United States?