First he ordered massive military exercises, involving some 150,000 troops, on Ukraine’s border.  While some observers noted that not enough medical units were included to indicate an invasion, it was clearly a provocative act.

Yet, even more worrying has been his actions in Crimea, a semi-autonomous region of Ukraine, which almost perfectly mirror his actions in the run-up to the Russia-Georgia War in 2008.

Pro-Russian separatists, wearing military uniforms without insignias, seized government buildings, airports and communication hubs in the region.  Then Russian troops were put on alert to “protect their citizens” in the area.  Crimea’s new Prime Minister—himself a Russian citizen—has appealed for Russia’s help.

Now, in what seems to be a false flag operation, Ukraine’s forces have been accused of attacking Crimea’s Interior Ministry. A referendum has been scheduled to decide whether the region will stay in Ukraine or become part of Russia. The Russian Parliament has approved the use of military forcein Ukraine and to recall their Ambassador from the US.

Last night President Obama warned Putin of costs for further actions in Crimea and the situation is bound to intensify.  Here’s what you need to know:

1. What Is Crimea?

As noted above, Crimea is a semi-autonomous region of Ukraine, which means that while it is part of Ukraine’s sovereign territory, it is largely self governed.  A beautiful place located on the Black Sea, with rugged mountains leading to sandy beaches, Crimea is a popular tourist destination.

It is also a tricky place politically.  In 1954 Khrushchev decreed that it become part of (click)