Russian troops near the Ukrainian border will return to its permanent bases after completing its military exercises, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said, calling for a "de-escalation" of rhetoric.
The build-up of Russian troops on Ukraine's eastern border is "incredibly concerning", Nato's top military commander has said.
General Philip Breedlove said Russia now had enough troops to make an incursion into Ukraine and could feasibly "accomplish its objectives" within as little as three to five days.
The military alliance is now working on a package of proposals by April 15th to reinforce its eastern European allies by air, land and sea.
An unusually frank Nato Secretary General issued an unequivocal warning on the course of events should Russia attack Latvia or Estonia.
The West responds with sanctions and closer political ties with Ukraine as Russia's President seals the annexing of Crimea to much fanfare.
Supporters of the controversial fracking industry believe shale gas could be America's most potent weapon in the stand-off with Russia.