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

On March 24, 2014, the developments were characterized by the following:

Assaults and blockade of Ukrainian military bases on the peninsula, extension of Russia’s military presence in Crimea

• On lake Donuzlav, Ukrainian trawler “Cherkasy” has fought off the attack by Russian armed forces
• On lake Donuzlav, Ukrainian marine vessel “Kostiantyn Olshanskyi” has been stormed and seized by Russian troops
• In Feodosiya, Russian special forces have attacked and violently seized control of the division of Ukrainian Armed Forces, leaving a number of people injured
• On cape Fiolent, Ukrainian mobile rocket military division has been seized by Russian special forces
• Russian military contingent in Crimea has received an order to clear Ukrainian Armed Forces from the peninsula by March 25
• The number of Russia’s military personnel in Crimea has exceeded 22,000

Political escalation on behalf of Russia, illegal separatist activities of self-proclaimed “puppet” government of Crimea

• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities A.Thors has informed about the large number of appeals from Crimea’s national minorities about infringement on their rights by the “puppet” government
• Russia’s Prime Minister D.Medvedev has announced that the process of issuance of Russian passports in Crimea will be finalized by the end of summer
• D.Medevedev also stated that Russia plans to create a special economic zone in Crimea
• A decision to force Ukrainian nationals in Crimea to formalize their status as permanent residents in order to continue living on the peninsula
• Russia has decided on appropriating the exhibits of all the museums in Crimea

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