The situation in Russia is still a point of great tension in the international community. Only a few weeks ago, Russia was removed from the G8, a prestigious group of developed countries, which promptly renamed itself the G7 to highlight Russia’s departure.

According to CNN, Secretary of State Kerry has recently concluded talks with the Russian Foreign Minister aimed at finding a “diplomatic” resolution to the tensions between Russia and its neighbor Ukraine. According to Kerry, Russia’s allegations that it is in support of Ukrainian independence is undermined by an increase of Russian troops at the border. The Secretary of State pointed out the contradiction in his talks with Foreign Minister Lavrov.

According to the article, “Kerry said Russia and the United States agreed to work with Ukraine on several issues: the rights of national minorities; language rights; the demobilization and disarmament of provocateurs; a constitutional reform process; and free and fair elections monitored by the international community.” National minorities may play a key role in determining how this conflict is resolved. The primary rhetoric coming from Russia prior to the “annexation” of Crimea was that Russia was intervening on behalf of the Russian minority in that region. As we have covered previously, the situation within Ukraine is not much better than the trouble waiting on its border.

Kerry also stressed the importance of including Ukraine in any further conversations between Russia and the United States regarding that nation. While Lavrov was on record recommending a “federal” structure for the new government in Ukraine, Secretary of State Kerry insisted any decisions about Ukraine’s government should be made by the people of Ukraine rather than outside forces.

CNN summed up the recent history by writing that “[t]he United States and the European Union have already imposed two rounds of sanctions on Russia, including visa bans and asset freezes for some of Putin’s inner circle. The West has threatened tougher sanctions targeting Russia’s economy if Moscow sends more troops to Ukraine. Russia has drawn up countersanctions, barring senior U.S. officials from entering Russia.”