Explained: Russia and Ukraine's turbulent history that ended in invasion

The world watched on in horror on as the first Russian bombs obliterated buildings in major Ukrainian cities on Thursday morning – plunging Europe into its most serious crisis since the Second World War. It marked the culmination of eight years of Russian aggression against its neighbour and weeks of failed diplomatic efforts.

But as Russian troops stream across the border and Ukrainian families huddle in abandoned metro stations, the question on the mind of many remains: why?

In his near two decades in charge of Russia, predicting Mr Putin’s next move has proved a difficult game. He has often been cast in sections of the media as the great chess master: dragging his opposition in every direction; his motives ever shady.

Here is a quick look at the history of the turbulent relationship between the former Soviet countries.

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