Russia and Ukraine are ruthlessly using history as a weapon in the battle to paint their opponents as dangerous aggressors, ripping open old wounds from World War II that may not easily heal.

Since the start of the crisis politicians and media in the two ex-Soviet states have raised the ghosts of over half a century ago, accusing their opponents of "fascist" tendencies and painting them as the 21st century successors of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.

Such moves play on a mutual suspicion in both countries that has lingered since World War II.Many Ukrainians see Russia as an expansionist power, while Moscow has accused the protesters who ousted president Viktor Yanukovych of being dangerous right-wing extremists.

News bulletins on Russian state television make almost obsessive reference to the "fascists and Banderovtsy" who Moscow claims are now running Ukraine.