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janrinok [soylentnews.org] writes:

Earlier, several hundred unarmed protesters seized a Ukrainian naval base at Novofedorivka, western Crimea.


Pro-Russian militia have also been seizing Ukrainian navy ships.


The BBC's Ian Pannell, in Crimea, says the Ukrainian troops on the peninsula feel beleaguered and abandoned by their commanders in Ukraine.


On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law formalising Russia's takeover of Crimea from Ukraine, despite fresh sanctions from the EU and the US.


In Belbek, two armoured personnel carriers burst through the wall of the base followed by Russian troops firing weapons in the air./p>


An ambulance was then seen entering the base amid reports that at least one person was injured. The Ukrainian soldiers were later gathered at the base main square in front of the heavily armed Russian troops.


The storming followed an ultimatum by the Russians to surrender.

Original Submission