Tensions in Crimea continue to escalate as Russian forces work to secure the Peninsula.
The headquarters of the Ukrainian Navy in Sevastopol are being guarded by armed Russian troops, and a civilian guard has also formed outside to keep sailors from entering. The Ukrainian naval officers have been confined to their base.
Admiral Yuri Ilyn was allowed to leave the premises and told the BBC that he is sorry Ukrainian soldiers are hostages in this situation. After the Admiral had left, Russian forces broke into the base’s store room.
Russian forces have been using the confusion to their advantage, securing military bases and strategic facilities in Crimea. The Ukrainian Government has said this is a declaration of war by President Putin and has requested he pull back Russian forces.
President Obama and President Putin had a 90 minutes phone conversation yesterday regarding the matter. Top U.S. security officials also met for a meeting at the White House President Obama did not attend.
UN Secretary General Bank Ki Moon urged for de-escalation and said he was gravely concerned about the situation. Pictures from Northern Crimea show Russian soldiers creating defensive lines.
Two anti-submarine warships have been sent out from the Russian Black Sea Fleet base in Sevastopol as Russian forces take offensive and defensive positions in the Crimean Peninsula.
On CBS’s Face the Nation program today U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said;
You just don’t in the 21st century behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pre-text.
Russian authorities continue to insist the occupation of Crimea is in defense of its interests in Ukraine, and Russian speaking citizens within Ukraine. President Putin said he had a right to use force to defend Russian speakers and will deploy forces across Ukraine if necessary.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen issued a statement ahead of an emergency meeting of NATO ambassadors in Brussels calling for Russia to cease military operations;
What Russia is doing now in Ukraine violates the principles of the United Nations Charter. It threatens peace and security in Europe.
Ukraine has reportedly withdrawn coastguard vessels from ports in Crimea and placed troops on high alert across the country.
-Polive
Resources:
The Guardian is providing a live stream of events in Crimea that can be viewed here.
The U.S. Department of State’s website provides continuous coverage of Secretary Kerry’s schedule and statements: http://www.state.gov
Mark Galeotti, a Professor at NYU has a very informative blog about Russian security issues that can be viewed here.
Reuters is providing live stream coverage of major events here.
Polive Review 