SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine (AP) — Associated Press journalists say hundreds of unidentified gunmen have just arrived outside Ukraine’s infantry base in Privolnoye in its Crimea region.
Russian soldiers and 20+ vehicles. Surrounding Ukrainian base at Perevalne in Crimea. Reported demanding surrender pic.twitter.com/Dnnji2czhL
— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) March 2, 2014
The convoy includes at least 13 troop vehicles each containing 30 soldiers and four armored vehicles with mounted machine guns. The vehicles — which have Russian license plates — have surrounded the base and are blocking Ukrainian soldiers from entering or leaving it.
Squad of Russian reinforcements arrive at Perevalne base where #Ukraine troops surrounded. No sign of them moving in. pic.twitter.com/vFypJnw8dy
— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) March 2, 2014
Ukrainian soldiers, with clips in their weapons, have positioned a tank at the gate.
Extraordinary standoff. #Ukraine soldiers defiant behind gates of Perevalne base. Won't surrender. #Crimea pic.twitter.com/uLfphYAXGB
— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) March 2, 2014
Ukraine’s new prime minister urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to pull back his military Sunday in the conflict between the two countries, warning that “we are on the brink of disaster.”
The comments from Arseniy Yatsenyuk came as a convoy of Russian troops rolled toward Simferopol, the capital of Ukraine’s Crimea region, a day after Russian forces took over the strategic Black Sea peninsula without firing a shot. (read more)
ArchBsp Clement of #ukraine orthodox church, stands at gates of surrounded base 'to protect my people'. #crimea pic.twitter.com/XFOqG5HW2m
— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) March 2, 2014