Evangelicals are asking the global Church to pray for Ukraine as Germany warns there is "no solution in sight" to the crisis.

The European Evangelical Alliance said the Russian government's actions had made the task of stabilising the nation and its economy "so much harder".

The EEA is asking Christians around the world to pray for a "miracle" to stop any further descent into conflict.

Russian forces have taken control of Crimea and Vladimir Putin has told reporters that what has happened in Ukraine is an "unconstitutional takeover".

Germany foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had been long and "difficult" and that there was "no solution in sight" to the Ukraine crisis.

As the country's future hangs in the balance, Ukrainian Christians are appealing to the worldwide Christian community to stand with them in prayer and fasting.

"Ukraine has suffered enough. People died and countless numbers were injured in the protests. And now there is the possibility of invasion, occupation, civil war and a divided country," said the European Evangelical Alliance in an update.

"There is a tiny glimmer of hope. The vast majority of Ukrainians do not want war or a divided nation. The Kiev protests were peaceful for months and only a minority turned to violence in the last days. Most knew that peace was the only answer, and many also knew that prayer was crucial."

Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance, added his voice to the call for prayer.

"The fast-moving and escalating events in Ukraine not only pose a real threat to the region but to global peace," he said.

"We would urge all the parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution to this conflict."