With oil supplies tight, regions most vulnerable to oil supply disruptions present a significant economic concern, particularly threats to the Strait of Hormuz and unrest in Nigeria, explains this Backgrounder.

The sentencing of former Ukraine prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko reflects her rivalry with President Viktor Yanukovych and could affect Ukraine's eurozone bid, says New York Times Moscow bureau chief Ellen Barry.

President Viktor Yanukovych has led Ukraine, no stranger to crisis, into yet another round of turmoil.

Arch Puddington discusses the growing list of governments that are using the criminal justice system to punish former leaders, including Ukraine which recently sentenced former prime minister Yuliya Tymoshenko.

On becoming president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych immediately took actions that undermined democracy and aligned Ukraine closely with Russia.

A deal to extend the stay of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Crimea in exchange for up to $40 billion worth of gas discounts stops Ukraine's drift toward NATO, but political-military integration with Russia is not in the interests of the nation.

Despite fears to the contrary, the apparent presidential victory of Viktor Yanukovych in some ways bolsters the democratic gains of Ukraine's Orange Revolution, says Steven Pifer.

Walter Russell Mead comments that the recent Ukrainian election was a "setback" to the spread of democracy in the world.

The results of Ukraine's presidential election, which will go to a runoff on February 7, show unhappiness with Viktor Yushchenko's government, but are also a mark of Ukraine's independence.

This academic module features teaching notes by Steven Pifer, author of the Council Special Report Averting Crisis in Ukraine, along with additional resources to supplement the text. In this report, Ambassador Pifer examines current issues facing Ukraine, including its geostragic relevance; the social, political, and economic relationship between Russia and Ukraine; the question of NATO membership; and the possibilities for integration into the West.

Watch experts discuss the film Orange Revolution and the significance of these events for Ukraine and nonviolent democracy movements elsewhere.

Listen to experts discuss the film Orange Revolution and the significance of these events for Ukraine and nonviolent democracy movements elsewhere.

This winter marks the fifth anniversary of Ukraine's Orange Revolution, when over one million citizens took to the streets of Kiev and succeeded in overturning the results of that country's presidential election. Steve York's documentary, Orange Revolution, follows the contest between opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko and his adversary Viktor Yanukovych, capturing the iconic images that defined the election and ensuing protests.

Here, after a screening of Orange Revolution, Peter Ackerman, David J. Kramer and Steve York discuss the significance of the Orange Revolution for Ukraine and nonviolent democracy movements elsewhere.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko discusses political, economic, and social changes in Ukraine.

Watch Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko discuss political, economic, and social changes in Ukraine.

Listen to Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko discuss political, economic, and social changes in Ukraine.

Veteran Eurasia expert Steven Pifer says Vice President Joseph Biden's trip to Ukraine and Georgia was meant to balance President Barack Obama's Moscow summit earlier in the month, but in both countries, Biden had to convey tough messages.

This Center for Preventive Action Contingency Planning Memorandum examines how crisis scenarios between Ukraine and Russia could unfold, the implications for the United States, and the steps the U.S. government might take both to reduce the prospects of a crisis and manage it should it occur.

Daniel Senor and Christian Whiton argue that the 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine can serve as a model for democratic reform in Iran.

The recent deterioration in relations between Russia and Ukraine should be of great concern to the West.