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Ukraine mobilizes troops amid crisis with Russia

By Chelsea J. Carter. Diana Magnay and Victoria Eastwood, CNN

Updated 0808 GMT (1608 HKT) March 2, 2014

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Ukrainian tanks are transported from their base in Perevalne, Crimea, on Wednesday, March 26. After Russian troops seized most of Ukraine's bases in Crimea, interim Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov ordered the withdrawal of armed forces from the peninsula, citing Russian threats to the lives of military staff and their families.
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian tanks are transported from their base in Perevalne, Crimea, on Wednesday, March 26. After Russian troops seized most of Ukraine's bases in Crimea, interim Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov ordered the withdrawal of armed forces from the peninsula, citing Russian threats to the lives of military staff and their families.
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Ukrainian marines wave as they leave a base in Feodosia, Crimea, on Tuesday, March 25.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian marines wave as they leave a base in Feodosia, Crimea, on Tuesday, March 25.
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Russian sailors stand on the deck of the corvette ship Suzdalets in the bay of Sevastopol, Crimea, on March 25.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Russian sailors stand on the deck of the corvette ship Suzdalets in the bay of Sevastopol, Crimea, on March 25.
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Pro-Russian militia members remove a local resident as Russian troops assault the Belbek air base, outside Sevastopol, on Saturday, March 22. Following its annexation of Crimea, Russian forces have consolidated their control of the region.
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian militia members remove a local resident as Russian troops assault the Belbek air base, outside Sevastopol, on Saturday, March 22. Following its annexation of Crimea, Russian forces have consolidated their control of the region.
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Soldiers in unmarked uniforms sit atop an armored personnel carrier at the gate of the Belbek air base on March 22.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Soldiers in unmarked uniforms sit atop an armored personnel carrier at the gate of the Belbek air base on March 22.
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A Russian sailor holds the Russian Navy's St. Andrew's flag while standing on the bow of the surrendered Ukrainian submarine Zaporozhye on March 22 in Sevastopol.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Russian sailor holds the Russian Navy's St. Andrew's flag while standing on the bow of the surrendered Ukrainian submarine Zaporozhye on March 22 in Sevastopol.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin signs the final decree completing the annexation of Crimea on Friday, March 21, as Upper House Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, left, and State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin watch.
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – Russian President Vladimir Putin signs the final decree completing the annexation of Crimea on Friday, March 21, as Upper House Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, left, and State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin watch.
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A Ukrainian serviceman leaves a Ukrainian military unit that Russian soldiers took control of in Perevalne on March 21.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian serviceman leaves a Ukrainian military unit that Russian soldiers took control of in Perevalne on March 21.
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Ukrainian border guards run during training at a military camp in Alekseyevka, Ukraine, on March 21.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian border guards run during training at a military camp in Alekseyevka, Ukraine, on March 21.
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Russian soldiers patrol the area surrounding a Ukrainian military unit in Perevalne on Thursday, March 20.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Russian soldiers patrol the area surrounding a Ukrainian military unit in Perevalne on Thursday, March 20.
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Pro-Russian protesters remove the gate to the Ukrainian navy headquarters as Russian troops stand guard in Sevastopol on Wednesday, March 19.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian protesters remove the gate to the Ukrainian navy headquarters as Russian troops stand guard in Sevastopol on Wednesday, March 19.
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Pro-Russian forces walk inside the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 19.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian forces walk inside the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 19.
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A member of pro-Russian forces takes down a Ukrainian flag at the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 19.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A member of pro-Russian forces takes down a Ukrainian flag at the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 19.
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Alexander Vitko, chief of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, leaves the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol after pro-Russian forces took it over on March 19.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Alexander Vitko, chief of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, leaves the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol after pro-Russian forces took it over on March 19.
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A Russian flag waves as workers install a new sign on a parliament building in Simferopol, Crimea's capital, on March 19.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Russian flag waves as workers install a new sign on a parliament building in Simferopol, Crimea's capital, on March 19.
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Russian military personnel surround a Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on March 19.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Russian military personnel surround a Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on March 19.
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Nameplates on the front of the Crimean parliament building get removed Tuesday, March 18, in Simferopol.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Nameplates on the front of the Crimean parliament building get removed Tuesday, March 18, in Simferopol.
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From left, Crimean Prime Minister Sergey Aksyonov; Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of the Crimean parliament; Russian President Vladimir Putin; and Alexei Chaly, the new de facto mayor of Sevastopol, join hands in Moscow on March 18 after signing a treaty to make Crimea part of Russia.
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – From left, Crimean Prime Minister Sergey Aksyonov; Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of the Crimean parliament; Russian President Vladimir Putin; and Alexei Chaly, the new de facto mayor of Sevastopol, join hands in Moscow on March 18 after signing a treaty to make Crimea part of Russia.
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Demonstrators hold a Crimean flag at Lenin Square in Simferopol on March 18.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Demonstrators hold a Crimean flag at Lenin Square in Simferopol on March 18.
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Ukrainian soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint near Strilkove, Ukraine, close to Crimea on Monday, March 17.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint near Strilkove, Ukraine, close to Crimea on Monday, March 17.
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Former boxer and Ukrainian politician Vitali Klitschko addresses reporters in Kiev, Ukraine, on March 17.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Former boxer and Ukrainian politician Vitali Klitschko addresses reporters in Kiev, Ukraine, on March 17.
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Ukrainian troops stand guard in front of the Ukrainian Parliament building in Kiev on March 17.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian troops stand guard in front of the Ukrainian Parliament building in Kiev on March 17.
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A Ukrainian man applies for the National Guard at a mobile recruitment center in Kiev on March 17.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian man applies for the National Guard at a mobile recruitment center in Kiev on March 17.
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Civilians walk past riot police in Simferopol on March 17.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Civilians walk past riot police in Simferopol on March 17.
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A Ukrainian soldier stands on top of an armored vehicle at a military camp near the village of Michurino, Ukraine, on March 17.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian soldier stands on top of an armored vehicle at a military camp near the village of Michurino, Ukraine, on March 17.
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Policemen stand guard outside the regional state administration building in Donetsk, Ukraine, during a rally by pro-Russia activists March 17.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Policemen stand guard outside the regional state administration building in Donetsk, Ukraine, during a rally by pro-Russia activists March 17.
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Armed soldiers stand guard outside a Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on March 17.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Armed soldiers stand guard outside a Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on March 17.
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A man holds a Crimean flag as he stands in front of the Crimean parliament building in Simferopol on March 17.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A man holds a Crimean flag as he stands in front of the Crimean parliament building in Simferopol on March 17.
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Crimeans holding Russian flags celebrate in front of the parliament building in Simferopol on Sunday, March 16.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Crimeans holding Russian flags celebrate in front of the parliament building in Simferopol on Sunday, March 16.
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A Ukrainian police officer tries to shield himself from a road block thrown by pro-Russia supporters in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on March 16.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian police officer tries to shield himself from a road block thrown by pro-Russia supporters in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on March 16.
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Pro-Russia demonstrators storm the prosecutor general's office during a rally in Donetsk on March 16.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russia demonstrators storm the prosecutor general's office during a rally in Donetsk on March 16.
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A child casts her mother's ballot March 16 while holding a Russian flag at a polling station in Simferopol.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A child casts her mother's ballot March 16 while holding a Russian flag at a polling station in Simferopol.
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A pro-Russian soldier, with the Russian flag behind him, mans a machine gun outside an Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on Saturday, March 15.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian soldier, with the Russian flag behind him, mans a machine gun outside an Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on Saturday, March 15.
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A pro-Russian soldier guards the perimeter outside an Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on March 15.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian soldier guards the perimeter outside an Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on March 15.
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Russian flags wave in front of a monument dedicated to Soviet Union founder Vladimir Lenin during a pro-Russia rally in Simferopol's Lenin Square on March 15.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Russian flags wave in front of a monument dedicated to Soviet Union founder Vladimir Lenin during a pro-Russia rally in Simferopol's Lenin Square on March 15.
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Evgenyi Batyukhov cries March 14 at the site where pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian activists clashed the night before in Donetsk, Ukraine.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Evgenyi Batyukhov cries March 14 at the site where pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian activists clashed the night before in Donetsk, Ukraine.
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A line of policemen stand in front of a bus of pro-Ukrainian activists as pro-Russian supporters confront them during a rally in Donetsk on Thursday, March 13.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A line of policemen stand in front of a bus of pro-Ukrainian activists as pro-Russian supporters confront them during a rally in Donetsk on Thursday, March 13.
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Pro-Russian supporters clash with pro-Ukrainian activists in Donetsk on March 13.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian supporters clash with pro-Ukrainian activists in Donetsk on March 13.
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Recent Academy Award winner Jared Leto walks through Independence Square in Kiev on March 13. During his Oscars acceptance speech in early March, the actor spoke to protesters in Ukraine and Venezuela saying, "We're thinking of you tonight."
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – Recent Academy Award winner Jared Leto walks through Independence Square in Kiev on March 13. During his Oscars acceptance speech in early March, the actor spoke to protesters in Ukraine and Venezuela saying, "We're thinking of you tonight."
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A member of a pro-Russian self-defense unit checks a polling station near Simferopol on March 13.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A member of a pro-Russian self-defense unit checks a polling station near Simferopol on March 13.
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A Ukrainian soldier looks out of the window of a regional military building with a poster reading "Ukraine's armed forces wait for you!" in Donetsk on March 13.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian soldier looks out of the window of a regional military building with a poster reading "Ukraine's armed forces wait for you!" in Donetsk on March 13.
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An armed Cossack stands guard at a checkpoint on the road from Simferopol to Sevastopol on March 13.
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Crisis in Ukraine – An armed Cossack stands guard at a checkpoint on the road from Simferopol to Sevastopol on March 13.
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A pro-Russian soldier speaks to a truck driver outside the Ukrainian infantry base in Perevalne on Wednesday, March 12.
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian soldier speaks to a truck driver outside the Ukrainian infantry base in Perevalne on Wednesday, March 12.
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Cossacks stand guard at Crimea's regional parliament building in Simferopol on March 12.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Cossacks stand guard at Crimea's regional parliament building in Simferopol on March 12.
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Soldiers are seen aboard the Ukrainian ship Slavutych in the harbor of Sevastopol on Tuesday, March 11.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Soldiers are seen aboard the Ukrainian ship Slavutych in the harbor of Sevastopol on Tuesday, March 11.
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Ukrainian naval officers board a boat in front of the Russian minesweeper Turbinist in Sevastopol's harbor on March 11.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian naval officers board a boat in front of the Russian minesweeper Turbinist in Sevastopol's harbor on March 11.
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People shout slogans during a pro-Russia rally in Donetsk on Sunday, March 9.
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Crisis in Ukraine – People shout slogans during a pro-Russia rally in Donetsk on Sunday, March 9.
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Ukrainian police detain a demonstrator during a pro-Russian rally in Donetsk on March 9.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian police detain a demonstrator during a pro-Russian rally in Donetsk on March 9.
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Pro-Russia protesters remove a Ukrainian flag from a flagpole taken from a government building in Donetsk on March 9.
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russia protesters remove a Ukrainian flag from a flagpole taken from a government building in Donetsk on March 9.
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Cossacks and other pro-Russian forces stand guard outside a government building in Simferopol on Saturday, March 8.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Cossacks and other pro-Russian forces stand guard outside a government building in Simferopol on Saturday, March 8.
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Ukrainian soldiers load armored personnel carriers into boxcars in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on March 8.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers load armored personnel carriers into boxcars in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on March 8.
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Armed men believed to be Russian military march in a village outside Simferopol on Friday, March 7.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Armed men believed to be Russian military march in a village outside Simferopol on Friday, March 7.
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Pro-Russia protesters demonstrate outside the Belbek air base, near Sevastopol, on Thursday, March 6.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russia protesters demonstrate outside the Belbek air base, near Sevastopol, on Thursday, March 6.
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A Ukrainian navy officer looks at the scuttled, decommissioned Russian vessel Ochakov from the Black Sea shore outside the town of Myrnyi, Ukraine, on March 6. Russian naval personnel scuttled the ship, blockading access for five Ukrainian naval vessels.
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian navy officer looks at the scuttled, decommissioned Russian vessel Ochakov from the Black Sea shore outside the town of Myrnyi, Ukraine, on March 6. Russian naval personnel scuttled the ship, blockading access for five Ukrainian naval vessels.
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A member of the Russian military patrols around Perevalne on March 6.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A member of the Russian military patrols around Perevalne on March 6.
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Servicemen guard a checkpoint at a Ukrainian navy base in Perevalne on March 6.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Servicemen guard a checkpoint at a Ukrainian navy base in Perevalne on March 6.
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Ukrainian troops guard the Belbek air base on March 6.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian troops guard the Belbek air base on March 6.
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A woman walks past barricades March 6 that were set up by anti-government protesters in Kiev's Independence Square.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A woman walks past barricades March 6 that were set up by anti-government protesters in Kiev's Independence Square.
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A sailor guards the Ukrainian Navy ship Slavutych in the Bay of Sevastopol on Wednesday, March 5.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A sailor guards the Ukrainian Navy ship Slavutych in the Bay of Sevastopol on Wednesday, March 5.
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People wait in line for food distribution in Independence Square on March 5.
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Crisis in Ukraine – People wait in line for food distribution in Independence Square on March 5.
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Ukrainian sailors carry meat to their vessel in the Sevastopol harbor on March 5.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian sailors carry meat to their vessel in the Sevastopol harbor on March 5.
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Riot police stand at the entrance of a regional administrative building during a rally in Donetsk on March 5.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Riot police stand at the entrance of a regional administrative building during a rally in Donetsk on March 5.
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A Ukrainian police officer gives instructions to members of the media in front of the business class lounge of the Simferopol airport on March 5.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian police officer gives instructions to members of the media in front of the business class lounge of the Simferopol airport on March 5.
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Pro-Russia demonstrators wave a Russian flag after storming a regional administrative building in Donetsk on March 5.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russia demonstrators wave a Russian flag after storming a regional administrative building in Donetsk on March 5.
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Demonstrators break a police barrier as they storm a regional administrative building in Donetsk on March 5.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Demonstrators break a police barrier as they storm a regional administrative building in Donetsk on March 5.
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Ukrainian military recruits line up to receive instructions in Kiev's Independence Square on Tuesday, March 4.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian military recruits line up to receive instructions in Kiev's Independence Square on Tuesday, March 4.
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People stand on the Ukrainian Navy ship Slavutych while it's at harbor in Sevastopol on March 4. Mattresses were placed over the side of the ship to hinder any attempted assault.
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Crisis in Ukraine – People stand on the Ukrainian Navy ship Slavutych while it's at harbor in Sevastopol on March 4. Mattresses were placed over the side of the ship to hinder any attempted assault.
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Ukrainian troops watch as a Russian navy ship blocks the entrance of the Ukrainian navy base in Sevastopol on March 4.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian troops watch as a Russian navy ship blocks the entrance of the Ukrainian navy base in Sevastopol on March 4.
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A woman photographs pro-Russian soldiers guarding Ukraine's infantry base in Perevalne on March 4.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A woman photographs pro-Russian soldiers guarding Ukraine's infantry base in Perevalne on March 4.
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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, wearing a blue scarf, visits a shrine March 4 for the people who were killed in February during anti-government protests in Kiev.
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Crisis in Ukraine – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, wearing a blue scarf, visits a shrine March 4 for the people who were killed in February during anti-government protests in Kiev.
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Yuli Mamchun, the commander of the Ukrainian military garrison at the Belbek air base near Sevastopol, salutes on March 4.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Yuli Mamchun, the commander of the Ukrainian military garrison at the Belbek air base near Sevastopol, salutes on March 4.
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Russian soldiers stand guard at the Belbek air base on March 4.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Russian soldiers stand guard at the Belbek air base on March 4.
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Ukrainian military members march at the Belbek air base on March 4.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian military members march at the Belbek air base on March 4.
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Russian soldiers fire warning shots to keep back Ukrainian military members at the Belbek air base on March 4.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Russian soldiers fire warning shots to keep back Ukrainian military members at the Belbek air base on March 4.
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A Ukrainian airman puts the Ukrainian national flag over the gate of the Belbek air base as they guard what's left under their control on March 4.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian airman puts the Ukrainian national flag over the gate of the Belbek air base as they guard what's left under their control on March 4.
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Russian soldiers aim a grenade launcher and machine gun as they guard positions at the Belbek air base on March 4.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Russian soldiers aim a grenade launcher and machine gun as they guard positions at the Belbek air base on March 4.
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Ukrainian seamen stand guard on the Ukrainian navy ship Slavutych in the Sevastopol harbor on Monday, March 3.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian seamen stand guard on the Ukrainian navy ship Slavutych in the Sevastopol harbor on Monday, March 3.
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Oleg, a Ukrainian soldier, kisses his girlfriend, Svetlana, through the gates of the Belbek base entrance on March 3. Tensions are high at the base, where Ukrainian soldiers were standing guard inside the building while alleged Russian gunmen were standing guard outside the gates.
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – Oleg, a Ukrainian soldier, kisses his girlfriend, Svetlana, through the gates of the Belbek base entrance on March 3. Tensions are high at the base, where Ukrainian soldiers were standing guard inside the building while alleged Russian gunmen were standing guard outside the gates.
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Wives of Ukrainian soldiers walk past Russian soldiers to visit their husbands guarding a military base in Perevalne on March 3.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Wives of Ukrainian soldiers walk past Russian soldiers to visit their husbands guarding a military base in Perevalne on March 3.
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A Russian soldier guards an area outside Ukraine's military base in the village of Perevalne on March 3.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A Russian soldier guards an area outside Ukraine's military base in the village of Perevalne on March 3.
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A sailor looks out a window near the entrance to the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 3.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A sailor looks out a window near the entrance to the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 3.
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Armed men in military uniform walk outside a Ukrainian military unit near Simferopol on Sunday, March 2. Hundreds of armed men in trucks and armored vehicles surrounded the Ukrainian base Sunday in Crimea, blocking its soldiers from leaving.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Armed men in military uniform walk outside a Ukrainian military unit near Simferopol on Sunday, March 2. Hundreds of armed men in trucks and armored vehicles surrounded the Ukrainian base Sunday in Crimea, blocking its soldiers from leaving.
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Soldiers walk outside a Ukrainian military base in Perevalne as a local resident waves a Russian flag March 2.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Soldiers walk outside a Ukrainian military base in Perevalne as a local resident waves a Russian flag March 2.
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Demonstrators shout during a rally in Kiev's Independence Square on March 2.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Demonstrators shout during a rally in Kiev's Independence Square on March 2.
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Ukrainian soldiers, left, and unidentified gunmen, right, stand at the gate of an infantry base in Perevalne on March 2.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers, left, and unidentified gunmen, right, stand at the gate of an infantry base in Perevalne on March 2.
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Ukrainian soldiers guard a gate of an infantry base in Perevalne on March 2.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers guard a gate of an infantry base in Perevalne on March 2.
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A woman cries during a rally in Independence Square on March 2.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A woman cries during a rally in Independence Square on March 2.
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Protesters hold flags of the United States, Germany and Italy during a rally in Independence Square on March 2.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Protesters hold flags of the United States, Germany and Italy during a rally in Independence Square on March 2.
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People attend a morning prayer service at Independence Square on March 2.
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Crisis in Ukraine – People attend a morning prayer service at Independence Square on March 2.
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A soldier and a truck driver unload bread outside the Ukranian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 2.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A soldier and a truck driver unload bread outside the Ukranian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 2.
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Heavily armed troops, displaying no identifying insignia and who were mingling with local pro-Russian militants, stand guard outside a local government building in Simferopol on March 2.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Heavily armed troops, displaying no identifying insignia and who were mingling with local pro-Russian militants, stand guard outside a local government building in Simferopol on March 2.
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A woman waits in front of unidentified men in military fatigues who were blocking a base of the Ukrainian frontier guard unit in Balaklava, Ukraine, on Saturday, March 1.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A woman waits in front of unidentified men in military fatigues who were blocking a base of the Ukrainian frontier guard unit in Balaklava, Ukraine, on Saturday, March 1.
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U.S. President Barack Obama, in the Oval Office of the White House, talks on the phone March 1 with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine
Crisis in Ukraine – U.S. President Barack Obama, in the Oval Office of the White House, talks on the phone March 1 with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Troops stand guard in Balaklava on March 1.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Troops stand guard in Balaklava on March 1.
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Heavily armed soldiers displaying no identifying insignia maintain watch in Simferopol on March 1.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Heavily armed soldiers displaying no identifying insignia maintain watch in Simferopol on March 1.
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People gather around the coffin of a man who was killed during clashes with riot police in Independence Square.
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Crisis in Ukraine – People gather around the coffin of a man who was killed during clashes with riot police in Independence Square.
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Pro-Russian activists hold Russian flags during a rally in the center of Donetsk on March 1.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian activists hold Russian flags during a rally in the center of Donetsk on March 1.
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Pro-Russian activists clash with Maidan supporters as they storm the regional government building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on March 1.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian activists clash with Maidan supporters as they storm the regional government building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on March 1.
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A protester stands at a memorial March 1 for the people killed in clashes at Independence Square.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A protester stands at a memorial March 1 for the people killed in clashes at Independence Square.
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Armed men patrol outside the Simferopol International Airport on Friday, February 28.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Armed men patrol outside the Simferopol International Airport on Friday, February 28.
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An image provided to CNN by a local resident shows Russian tanks on the move in Sevastopol.
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Crisis in Ukraine – An image provided to CNN by a local resident shows Russian tanks on the move in Sevastopol.
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Russian troops block a road February 28 toward the military airport in Sevastopol. The Russian Black Sea Fleet is based at the port city.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Russian troops block a road February 28 toward the military airport in Sevastopol. The Russian Black Sea Fleet is based at the port city.
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Armed men stand guard in front of a building near the Simferopol airport on February 28.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Armed men stand guard in front of a building near the Simferopol airport on February 28.
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An armed man wearing no identifying insignia patrols outside Simferopol International Airport on February 28.
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Crisis in Ukraine – An armed man wearing no identifying insignia patrols outside Simferopol International Airport on February 28.
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Police stand guard outside the Crimea regional parliament building Thursday, February 27, in Simferopol. Armed men seized the regional government administration building and parliament in Crimea.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Police stand guard outside the Crimea regional parliament building Thursday, February 27, in Simferopol. Armed men seized the regional government administration building and parliament in Crimea.
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Police intervene as Russian supporters gather in front of the parliament building in Simferopol on February 27.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Police intervene as Russian supporters gather in front of the parliament building in Simferopol on February 27.
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A man adds fuel to a fire at a barricade in Independence Square on February 27. Dozens of people were killed during clashes between security forces and protesters.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A man adds fuel to a fire at a barricade in Independence Square on February 27. Dozens of people were killed during clashes between security forces and protesters.
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Pro-Russia demonstrators wave Russian and Crimean flags in front of a local government building in Simferopol on February 27.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russia demonstrators wave Russian and Crimean flags in front of a local government building in Simferopol on February 27.
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Barricades in front of a government building in Simferopol on February 27 hold a banner that reads: "Crimea Russia." There's a broad divide between those who support the pro-Western developments in Kiev and those who back Russia's continued influence in Crimea and across Ukraine.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Barricades in front of a government building in Simferopol on February 27 hold a banner that reads: "Crimea Russia." There's a broad divide between those who support the pro-Western developments in Kiev and those who back Russia's continued influence in Crimea and across Ukraine.
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Protesters stand in front of a government building in Simferopol on February 27. Tensions have simmered in the Crimea region since the ouster of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Protesters stand in front of a government building in Simferopol on February 27. Tensions have simmered in the Crimea region since the ouster of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
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Protesters in support of the president's ouster rally in Independence Square, which has been the center of opposition, on Wednesday, February 26.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Protesters in support of the president's ouster rally in Independence Square, which has been the center of opposition, on Wednesday, February 26.
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Security forces stand guard during clashes between opposing sides in front of Crimea's parliament building in Simferopol on February 26.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Security forces stand guard during clashes between opposing sides in front of Crimea's parliament building in Simferopol on February 26.
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Pro-Russian demonstrators, right, clash with anti-Russian protesters in front of a government building in Simferopol on February 26.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian demonstrators, right, clash with anti-Russian protesters in front of a government building in Simferopol on February 26.
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A police officer gets pulled into a crowd of Crimean Tatars in Simferopol on February 26. The Tatars, an ethnic minority group deported during the Stalin era, rallied in support of Ukraine's interim government.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A police officer gets pulled into a crowd of Crimean Tatars in Simferopol on February 26. The Tatars, an ethnic minority group deported during the Stalin era, rallied in support of Ukraine's interim government.
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A man places flowers at a barricade near Independence Square on February 26.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A man places flowers at a barricade near Independence Square on February 26.
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On February 26 in Kiev, a woman holds a photograph of a protester killed during the height of tensions.
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Crisis in Ukraine – On February 26 in Kiev, a woman holds a photograph of a protester killed during the height of tensions.
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Police guard a government building in Donetsk on February 26.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Police guard a government building in Donetsk on February 26.
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Protesters remove a fence that surrounds Ukraine's parliament in Kiev on February 26.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Protesters remove a fence that surrounds Ukraine's parliament in Kiev on February 26.
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People sing the Ukrainian national anthem at Independence Square on Monday, February 24.
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Crisis in Ukraine – People sing the Ukrainian national anthem at Independence Square on Monday, February 24.
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Gas masks used by protesters sit next to a barricade in Independence Square on February 24.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Gas masks used by protesters sit next to a barricade in Independence Square on February 24.
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A woman cries February 24 near a memorial for the people killed in Kiev.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A woman cries February 24 near a memorial for the people killed in Kiev.
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People wave a large Ukrainian flag in Independence Square on Sunday, February 23.
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Crisis in Ukraine – People wave a large Ukrainian flag in Independence Square on Sunday, February 23.
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Two pro-government supporters are made to pray February 23 in front of a shrine to dead anti-government protesters.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Two pro-government supporters are made to pray February 23 in front of a shrine to dead anti-government protesters.
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A man and his daughter lay flowers at a memorial for protesters killed in Independence Square.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A man and his daughter lay flowers at a memorial for protesters killed in Independence Square.
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Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko speaks at Independence Square on Saturday, February 22, hours after being released from prison. Tymoshenko, considered a hero of a 2004 revolution against Yanukovych, was released after 2½ years behind bars.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko speaks at Independence Square on Saturday, February 22, hours after being released from prison. Tymoshenko, considered a hero of a 2004 revolution against Yanukovych, was released after 2½ years behind bars.
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Tymoshenko is greeted by supporters shortly after being freed from prison in Kharkiv on February 22.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Tymoshenko is greeted by supporters shortly after being freed from prison in Kharkiv on February 22.
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A protester guards the entrance to Yanukovych's abandoned residence outside Kiev on February 22.
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Crisis in Ukraine – A protester guards the entrance to Yanukovych's abandoned residence outside Kiev on February 22.
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Anti-government protesters guard the streets next to the presidential offices in Kiev on February 22.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Anti-government protesters guard the streets next to the presidential offices in Kiev on February 22.
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Anti-government protesters drive a military vehicle in Independence Square on February 22. Many protesters said they wouldn't leave the square until Yanukovych resigned.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Anti-government protesters drive a military vehicle in Independence Square on February 22. Many protesters said they wouldn't leave the square until Yanukovych resigned.
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Ukrainian lawmakers argue during a session of Parliament on Friday, February 21.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian lawmakers argue during a session of Parliament on Friday, February 21.
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Men in Kiev carry a casket containing the body of a protester killed in clashes with police.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Men in Kiev carry a casket containing the body of a protester killed in clashes with police.
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Protesters cheer after news of an agreement between the opposing sides in Kiev on February 21.
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Crisis in Ukraine – Protesters cheer after news of an agreement between the opposing sides in Kiev on February 21.
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Story highlights

  • Ukraine is mobilizing troops around the country, official says
  • U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry condemns Russia's "invasion and occupation''
  • Putin says Russia reserves the right to defend its interests and people
  • Obama made clear violating Ukraine's sovereignty would impact Russia's standing
Leaders of a shaky new government in Ukraine were mobilizing troops Sunday amid signs of Russian military intervention in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.
The Ukrainian National Security Council ordered the mobilization as Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to dismiss warnings from world leaders to avoid military intervention in Crimea, a senior Ukrainian official, Andriy Parubiy, said. The news came as evidence mounted that pro-Russian forces were already in Crimea, an autonomous region of eastern Ukraine with strong loyalty to neighboring Russia.
A sense of escalating crisis swirled Saturday night, with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry condemning what he called "the Russian Federation's invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory" despite a statement by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that no decision had been made on whether Moscow would dispatch forces.
Russia has not confirmed it deployed thousands of troops to the region following reports that armed, Russian-speaking forces wearing military uniforms -- without insignia -- patrolled key infrastructure sites.
It was the latest in fast-moving developments that saw Russia's Parliament sign off on Putin's request to send military forces into Ukraine, raising the stakes in the escalating game of brinksmanship.
Putin cited in his request a threat posed to the lives of Russian citizens and military personnel based in southern Crimea. Ukrainian officials have vehemently denied Putin's claim. CNN crews in and around Crimea's regional capital of Simferopol, meanwhile, have not seen evidence of a Ukrainian military presence.
Putin's move prompted world diplomats to call for a de-escalation of tensions that have put the two neighbors on a possible path to war and roiled relations between Russia and the United States.
In what appeared to be an illustration of the growing schism between the two world powers, U.S. President Barack Obama and Putin spoke for 90 minutes -- with each expressing their concern over the mounting crisis, according to separate statements released by their respective governments.
According to the Kremlin, Putin told Obama that Russia reserves the right to defend its interests in the Crimea region and the Russian-speaking people who live there.
"President Obama made clear that Russia's continued violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity would negatively impact Russia's standing in the international community," according to a statement released by the White House.
Lean to the West, or to Russia?
Ukraine, a nation of 45 million people sandwiched between Europe and Russia's southwestern border, has been plunged into chaos since the ouster a week ago of President Viktor Yanukovych following bloody street protests that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded.
Ukraine has faced a deepening schism, with those in the west generally supporting the interim government and its European Union tilt, while many in the east preferring a Ukraine where Russia casts a long shadow.
Nowhere is that feeling more intense than in Crimea, the last big bastion of opposition to the new political leadership. Ukraine suspects Russia of fomenting tension in the autonomous region that might escalate into a bid for separation by its Russian majority.
Ukraine acting President Oleksandr Turchynov took to the airwaves late Saturday to warn that any Russian military intervention would lead to war. Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said his country was ready to mobilize its forces to protect strategic locations, including nuclear power plants.
'The troops are already there'
The crisis raised alarm bells with the worlds diplomats, with Ukrainian ambassador Yuriy Sergeyev calling on member nations of the U.N. Security Council to take a stand against what he called Russia's "clear act of aggression.''
"... The troops are already there, and their number is increasing every hour," Sergeyev said during an emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Russia now has 15,000 troops in Ukraine's Crimea region, Yegor Pyvovarov, the spokesman for the Ukraine mission at the United Nations, told CNN ahead of Saturday's session of the Security Council. He did not say how Ukraine arrived at that number, or whether that included troops already stationed at a Russian base in the region.
Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, rejected Ukraine's calls to stop Russian intervention. "We can't agree with this at all," he said.
He blamed members of the European Union for causing the bloody street demonstrations in Ukraine.
"It's a difficult situation in the past few hours," Churkin said, claiming that there were Ukrainian forces from Kiev en route to to overthrow the local pro-Russian governments in eastern Ukraine and Crimea and establish new ones that would enforce the power of the new Ukrainian government.
Churkin has said reports of Russian troops taking charge of positions on the ground were rumors and noted that rumors "are always not true."
Crimea's pro-Russian leader asked for help
The Russian Parliament vote Saturday came on the day that the newly installed pro-Russian leader of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, asked Putin for help in maintaining peace on the Black Sea peninsula -- where Russia's fleet is based at Sevastopol.
Security forces "are unable to efficiently control the situation in the republic," he said in comments broadcast on Russian state channel Russia 24. Aksyonov was installed as the region's premier after armed men took over the Crimean Parliament building on Thursday.
Aksyonov said that a referendum on greater Crimean autonomy, originally set for May 25, would be moved to March 30.
Yatsenyuk called the Russian presence in Crimea a provocation.
"Ukraine will not be provoked, we will not use force. We demand that the government of the Russian Federation immediately withdraw its troops and return to their home bases," he said during a televised Cabinet meeting.
Meanwhile, Ukraine Defense Minister Igor Tenyukh said his nation's military was at its highest state of military readiness. He credited negotiations during the day between the Ukrainian and Russian naval chiefs with easing tensions and said more negotiations were planned for Sunday.
Airspace in the region reopened Saturday, a day after Ukraine accused Russian Black Sea forces of trying to seize two airports in Crimea but said Ukrainian security forces had prevented them from taking control.
Groups of armed men, dressed in uniforms without identifying insignia, patrolled the airports in Simferopol and the nearby port city of Sevastopol. The men remained at the airports Saturday, but Yevgey Plaksin, director of the airport in Simferopol, said airport services were working.
Obama: Warning to Russia
Meanwhile, Obama's message to Russia also reached Congress, where the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee called for an immediate response to Russia's move.
"Every moment that the United States and our allies fail to respond sends the signal to President Putin that he can be even more ambitious and aggressive in his military intervention in Ukraine," Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, said in a statement.
He called on Obama to "make clear what costs Russia will face for its aggression and to impose those consequences without further delay."
Senior White House officials say they are looking at a wide range of possible economic and diplomatic measures to present to Obama that would show Putin there is a cost to his actions in Ukraine.
The White House has already announced the United States will suspend participation in preparatory meetings for the G-8 Summit that will bring world leaders together in June in Sochi, Russia.
"Going forward, Russia's continued violation of international law will lead to greater political and economic isolation," according to a statement released by the administration.
Pressure was mounting on Russia as leaders from the EU and the UK joined an international outcry, with EU High Representative Catherine Ashton deploring Russia's "unwarranted escalation of tensions."
During a telephone call with Putin, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said he told the Russian leader that it was crucial to "restore calm and proceed to an immediate de-escalation of the situation."
"Cool heads must prevail and dialogue must be the only tool in ending this crisis," he said.