Ukraine crisis

What the Hell is going on in Ukraine?

PowerPoint Show by Andrew

The situation in eastern Ukraine can best be described as chaotic. While it's clear there is violence occurring between pro-Russian groups and pro-Ukrainians (who desire closer ties to Europe), not much else is clear.

Photos and video from the region show streets filled with a volatile mix of protesters, police, armed soldiers, civilians, and militia, wearing widely varying uniforms (or just street clothes). Many are masked, their exact motives and backers unknown as they attack their opposition, or raid government buildings, and tear down each others' flags.

A nurse holds a weapon as she helps a wounded pro-Russian gunman to exit a car in front of a hospital in Slovyansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 5, 2014.

A crowd of some 300 pro-Russian separatists clash with riot police as they storm the prosecutor's office.

Pro-government supporters march during a protest on April 28, 2014 in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Pro-Russian activists march on May 1, 2014 in Donetsk, Ukraine.

A pro-Russian activist aims a pistol at supporters of the Kiev government during clashes in the streets of Odessa May 2, 2014.

Pro-Russian separatists block the Kramatorsk-to-Slovyansk road on May 2.

Ukrainian soldiers arrive to reinforce a checkpoint which troops seized in the early morning in the village of Andreevka.

Armed pro-Russian activists take positions in Luhansk, eastern Ukraine.

A tarp covers the body of a pro-Russian activist after he was killed during an attack on a roadblock by Ukrainian soldier on May 3, 2014 in Andreevka.

A Pro-Russian activist pulls the hair of a woman, pro-Ukrainian supporter, during an argument outside the burned trade union building in Odessa.

Pro-Russian protesters attack a pro-Ukranian protester during a pro-Ukraine rally in Donetsk on April 28.

A group of pro-Russia militia members armed with assault rifles walk in a street in Kramatorsk on May 3, 2014.

A group of Ukrainian police officers stand outside the administration building which had been captured by Pro-Russian activists in the center of Luhansk.

Pro-Russian activists storm the prosecutors office on May 1, 2014 in Donetsk.

Police officers flee during clashes with Pro-Russian activists in front of the regional administration building in Donetsk on May 1.

Masked pro-Russian demonstrators break into storerooms inside the military Prosecutor's Office in Donetsk.

A Pro-Russian activist throws a Ukrainian flag out of a window.

Pro-Russian supporters shout slogans during a rally.

A pro-Russian activist tent camp burns in front of the trade union building.

A protester throws a petrol bomb at the trade union building.

People wait to be rescued from upper floors at the trade union building.

Members of Ukrainian far-right groups take part in a torch-light procession.

Ukrainian soldiers stand at a checkpoint near Slovyansk.

Four pro-Russians lay on the ground with hands tied after being arrested.

Masked pro-Russian men hold a wounded comrade during assault on the prosecutor's building in Odessa.

Pro-Russian militants escort a man with his eyes covered outside the regional state building they seized in Donetsk.

Pro-Russian militants escort a man with his eyes covered outside the regional state building they seized in Donetsk.