Pro-Russian Protesters, Troops Storm Ukrainian Military Bases in Crimea

Pro-Russian forces besieged Ukrainian military bases in Crimea in two separate incidents on Saturday.

In the first incident, around 200 pro-Russian protesters stormed one of the last Ukrainian-controlled military bases in western Crimea.

The unarmed group broke through the air force base in Novofedorivka, yelling "Russia! Russia!" The attack resulted in the Ukrainian soldiers leaving the base, with protesters taking down the Ukrainian flag, and putting up the Russian navy's flag, according to the AFP.

Ukrainian soldiers surrendered after barricading themselves inside, and throwing smoke bombs at protesters, as Russian officers stood outside watching, the AFP said. Most of the attackers were reportedly non-locals Read more...