Originally published on March 3, 2014

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The new rulers in Kiev say Ukraine says it is preparing to defend itself after the Russian parliament's "declaration of war" on Sunday.

As Russia and the Ukraine stand at the brink of war after the overthrow of a pro-Russian president, a comparison of military strength, however, shows Ukraine dwarfed by its massive neighbor.

Russia commands over 845,000 active military personnel verses Ukraine's 130,000.

The Russian navy is outdated, but with over 200 warships and 70 submarines, Ukraine's 25 naval vessels are no match for control of the sea.

The Russian army has well over 40,000 tanks and fighting vehicles in its arsenal while Ukraine has just over 10,000.

In air power, Russia's superiority is undisputed, with some 4000 military aircraft. Ukraine has almost no modern fighter jets and under 500 total military aircraft.

Russia extended its leases on bases in Crimea in 2010 and the deal, signed by the now-deposed Ukrainian president, allowed Russian forces in the region until 2042.

Russia claims military exercises currently taking place near the border of Ukraine and involving some 150,000 Russian troops have nothing to do with the ongoing tensions between the two nations, but Russia did say it reserves the right to defend its 'legitimate interests'".

CNN reports that over the weekend, U.S. President Barack Obama had a 90-minute conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin during which the U.S. President said he "made clear that Russia's continued violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity would negatively impact Russia's standing in the international community," according to a White House statement.

The Kremlin responded by telling Obama that Russia reserves the right to "defend its interests" in the Crimea region and its majority Russian-speaking population.

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