Clashes Leave 2 Dead in Kharkiv as Russia's Troops Enter Mainland Ukraine

For the second time in two days competing protests turned violent and deadly in eastern Ukraine. Two people were killed when pro Russian groups attacked a pro Ukrainian rally, in Kharkiv. At least two dozen more were injured in the incident.

Protests from both sides have taken place for the past couple weeks. On Saturday, they were joined by protests in Russia itself. Tens of thousands marched in Moscow, in protest of their government's occupation of Crimea.

For two weeks, Russian troops have controlled Crimea. With as many as fifty thousand in the region. Several thousand more have placed themselves on the eastern border, while at least two hundred thousand more conduct maneuvers a few hours away.

On Saturday, eighty Russian troops backed by armored vehicles and helicopters moved north into mainland Crimea and seized the village of Strilkove. The move was countered by Ukrainian forces, but not in time to keep the village from falling. It was the first time that Russia openly admitted that the forces in Crimea are theirs.

Ukraine and Russia are still not technically in a state of war. Russia says their forces are there to protect ethnic Russians, in the region. They are also threatening to invade eastern Ukraine, for the same purposes. Ukraine continues to promise to defend it's territory, but they are severely out gunned and are understandably reluctant to enter into a war they can't win. However, as Russia continues to push Ukraine's leadership is under increasing pressure to defend the country.

International condemnation of the occupation of Crimea continues. The US, EU, and other countries have pledged to sanction Russia for it's actions. However, other than NATO patrolling it's eastern borders with AWACs no military response is likely to be seen from other nations.