Following a couple of contentious days in Eastern Europe, the tension between the Ukraine and Russia continues to rise. Now that Russian President Putin has approval from the Duma to invade, the Ukraine and the international community are scrambling to prevent further Russian advances into Ukrainian territory. Russia, on the other hand, continues to emphasize its good intentions.

As a response to Russia's mobilization, the Ukraine has also begun to mobilize its troops, according to the AP. "This is not a threat: this is actually the declaration of war to my country," said Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk. Following the Russian occupation of the Crimea, the world is wondering whether Russia will also occupy the Russian-speaking provinces in eastern Ukraine. Russia has 150,000 troops deployed near the border as part of ongoing war games. However, the recent rise in pro-Russian protests in the area could give Moscow the excuse to invade.

The Ukraine has begun to mobilize its reserves, according to the AP, which means that all men up to the age of 40 are eligible for conscription. Yet, they will struggle to arm and dress all those men. The New York Times reports how unprepared the Ukrainian forces are to fend off the Russian force, especially in the Crimea. The small Ukrainian navy has been blockaded in port and the small garrisons scattered about the peninsula, comprising about 3,500 men, have all been surrounded. Ukraine's top military leaders have been changing these last couple of months due to the protests and change of government.

The international community remains worried about where the invasion may lead. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said, "You don't just, in the 21st century, behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on a completely trumped-up pretext," he said on Face the Nation. He added that G8 nations would respond accordingly. "They are prepared to isolate Russia economically. The rouble is already going down. Russia has major economic challenges," he said.

The Ukraine's ambassador to the U.N. has asked for international military support if Russia continues to move further into the country.