How The Ukraine Crisis Unfolded In 17 Incredible Pictures

Ukraine, formerly part of the Soviet Union, and the bulwark between Russia and Europe, was always going to be complicated.

The country is divided - ethnic Russians and Russian speakers who favour president Viktor Yanukovych, and Western-leaning Ukrainian speakers who support becoming part of the EU.

Here, as simply as possible, is the lead-up to the Ukraine-Russia crisis. Yes, we know it's more complicated than this, and more stuff happened. We refer you to the title of 'Idiot's Guide'.