The background facts
The situation in Ukraine remains fluid and, with events moving
quickly, very little is certain. Attention is focused on the Crimea
with rumours in early March of Russian naval vessels at times
blockading the Kerch Straits which, if true, would quickly isolate
the main port of Mariupol. At present, the US and EU appear
committed to achieving a non-military solution to the ongoing
crisis. Limited sanctions have been introduced by both, aimed at
freezing and/or seizing the assets of persons designated under the
sanctions for their involvement in undermining the democratic
process in Ukraine or misappropriating assets of the State. Russia
has introduced its own limited sanctions in response. No-one wants
to see any kind of armed escalation, but we can expect a period of
uncertainty as Russia decides how it will react.
