Q&A: EU-Russia battleground

Street protests in Kiev have been compared with the 2004 Orange Revolution

A battle for the hearts and minds of Ukrainians overshadowed an "Eastern Partnership" summit between the European Union and six former Soviet states in late November.

Ukraine abruptly decided not to sign a far-reaching trade and association agreement with the EU, triggering an angry exchange between the EU and Russia. The summit failed to break the deadlock.

What is at stake?

Will these countries join the EU?

How has Russia reacted?

Is Ukraine really the big prize?