The Crimea, an integral part of Ukraine, is being occupied by foreign troops.

On March 14, 2014, the developments were characterized by the following:

Extension of Russia’s military presence on the peninsula, criminal activities by members of Russian extremist organizations

• In Alushta, division of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service was assaulted by so-called “self-defense” forces
• In Simferopol, three “Euromaidan” activists disappeared after being followed by unknown people
• In Bakhchysarai, division of Ukraine’s Armed Forces was maraudered by pro-Russian extremists
• In Dzahkoi, the train moving from Kyiv to Simpferopol was stopped  by so-called “self-defense” forces with its passengers being intimidated and searched
• Russian Armed Forces have moved a substantial amount of military equipment from port city of Kerch to the middle of Crimean peninsula
• In Simferopol, chief of military hospital was kidnapped by unknown people after rejecting a demand to surrender it

Illegal separatist activities of self-proclaimed pro-Russian “puppet” government

• Statement by leader of Crimean “puppet government” indicating intention to pronounce and treat Ukraine’s Armed Forces in Crimea as a gang groups after the “referendum”
• Announcement of desire of full accession to Russia as opposed to proclamation of independent state
• Announcement of plans of “puppet government” to use Russian ruble as Crimea’s official currency starting April
• Dismantling of Ukraine’s coat-of-arms Tryzub from the building of Verkhovna Rada of Crimea
• Blockade of Simferopol’s soccer club “Tavriya”, which is supposed to play Kyiv’s “Dynamo” in Ukrainian national championship on Sunday

Rise of anti-war and pro-Ukrainian sentiments in eastern parts of the country and in Crimea

• Tens of thousands of Crimeans have created a live chain across the peninsula demonstrating their support for united Ukraine 
• According to poll conducted by “Rating” group, only 5% of Ukrainians are in favor of Crimea being separated from Ukraine (19% in southern regions of Ukraine)
• Leaders of Ukrainian community in Russia, which consists of millions of people, have sent a letter to President Putin demanding the reversal of occupation of Ukraine

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