NATO officials announced today the "high probability" Russia will invade Ukraine to assist the on-going separatist movement. The assessment identified either a direct military operation, or a sureptitious assault under the guise of a humanitarian mission.

The prediction, which could have serious consequences to Eurasian stability, comes as European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against any action in or against Ukraine's sovereign territory. Ukraine warned world leaders that 450,000 Russian troops are gathered on its borders.

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This deepening of the Ukrainian civil crisis follows marked territorial gains by the Ukrainian government forces against pro-Russian separatists in the eastern cities of Donetsk and Luhansk. In a series of strikes, the rebel-held regions have been split in two, isolating both. Putin, who has led a fiery nationalist campaign in Crimea following that territory's Russian annexation in March, has cast himself as the hawkish international guardian of the Russian-speakers that populate Ukraine's east.

In defiance of NATO and the European Union, Moscow has already pledged a humantarian envoy to the conflict region, which is now largely without power or services. Ukraine views the maneuver as a Trojan horse.

By Ukrainian estimates that along the troops, 160 tanks, 1,360 armoured vehicles, 390 artillery systems, up to 150 Grad missile launchers, 192 fighter aircraft, and 137 attack helicopters are stationed along its eastern flank. In spite of Russian denials, world leaders already strongly suspect Russian weapon flows into Ukraine. Ukraine and several other nations charge the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight 370, allegedly at the hands of separatist forces, could only have been done with a sophisticated surface-to-air missle system supplied by Russia. Moscow denies involvement. 

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko admits to a growing humanitarian crisis in the war zone, and has stated willingness to send civilian support to Luhansk, but on the condition it is under the auspices of the international community. Barroso, in a phone call with Poroshenko, said the EU was ready to approve 2.5 million euros ( over $3 millino USS) for such a mission. 

The United Nations estimates more than 1,100 casualties have resulted from the crisis, which began in February.

TagsUkraine crisis, Russia, NATO, European Union