Russian economic sanctions pose an enormous challenge to Ukraine, whose economy has been in recession over the past two years.

One month after the overthrow of Viktor Yanukovych’s government, Ukraine’s situation is still very difficult.

Opinion polls from the last several days indicate that a clear majority of Russian society supports the Kremlin’s actions taken towards Ukraine.

Russia’s strategic goal remains to impose political and systemic solutions that would guarantee Russia control over the Ukrainian state.

Everything indicates that Russia has incorrectly assessed the atmosphere in eastern and southern Ukraine, neglecting their citizens’ attachment to the state.

Crimea’s absorption by Russia changes the current balance of forces in the Black Sea.

The secession of Crimea has serious consequences, both for the Ukraine and for the Russian Federation.

Russia is escalating its conflict with Ukraine. Kyiv’s efforts to resolve the conflict are mainly focused on diplomacy.

The split into historical ‘sub-Ukraines’ has become less pronounced, especially for the younger generation.

The sentiments in Lithuania, as in Latvia and Estonia, are reminiscent of those seen during the Russian aggression on Georgia.