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Ukraine's interior minister has accused Russian forces of staging an "armed invasion" in the Crimea region, claiming they have blocked a military air base and entered an airport on the Black Sea peninsula.
Arsen Avakov said there was no bloodshed or clashes when the armed men, who he described as Russian naval forces, took over a military airport near the port of Sevastopol, where the Russian Black Sea fleet has a base.
However, amid the confusion one man who said he was helping the group at Simferopol airport described them as people from the "People's Militia of Crimea". The man, called Vladimir, said: "I'm with the People's Militia of Crimea. We're simple people, volunteers... We're here at the airport to maintain order. We'll meet the planes with a nice smile - the airport is working as normal."
stumason
reply to post by stumason
Although it has to be said that in all the video and images I've seen, not one of the men appears to have any ammunition in their weapons, so perhaps it could be a Militia formed of ex-military personnel who happen to have access to some vehicles?
wantsome
Reminds me of the mission No Russian in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. I hope there isn't an American spy among them to blame the slaughter on.
11.52 Russian troops have now blocked Ukrainian air traffic control, according to the BBC.
12.02 We reported this earlier (10.38) but now there seems to be confirmation: the Ukrainian border guard service hs said 10 Russian military helicopters flew from Russia into Ukrainian airspace over the Crimea.
12.20 It seems Ukraine authorities have regained control of both Crimea airports.
"There was an attempt to seize the airports, but we have localised those attempts. The airports are now controlled by Ukrainian law enforcement authorities," said Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council chief Andriy Parubiy.
SLAYER69
reply to post by 12voltz
I too doubt they're militia. Russia is probably just securing their assets. Prudent move on their part if you ask me, considering all that's transpired over the past few days. If however this turns into a forward base in which to launch further expansion then Civil war seem much more likely considering how the Western part of the Ukraine feel about Russians.
This is something to watch. Great catch OP.
"There was an attempt to seize the airports
pheonix358
reply to post by 12voltz
Perhaps a more balanced approach to your OP would benefit ATS.
From the same article you quoted,
However, amid the confusion one man who said he was helping the group at Simferopol airport described them as people from the "People's Militia of Crimea". The man, called Vladimir, said: "I'm with the People's Militia of Crimea. We're simple people, volunteers... We're here at the airport to maintain order. We'll meet the planes with a nice smile - the airport is working as normal."
Seems to be a confused situation with the Pro West, current, non elected Government trying to upset Russia.
P