Russian Navy Blocks Ukrainian Ships In Crimea

Russian navy vessels continued on Wednesday (March 5) to blockade two Ukrainian military ships in a harbour near the Crimean port of Sevastopol. Corvette Ternopol and navy ship Slavutich are docked in the harbour as at least three Russian vessels block the sea paths in the mouth of the channel leading to the open waters. Ukrainian servicemen on board of both vessels confirmed their allegiance to the Ukrainian oath refusing to defect, Ukrainian media reported. Russia and the West are facing the most serious confrontation since the end of the Cold War over influence in Ukraine. Russia has effectively occupied the Crimea region, raising tensions in the region. Russian forces remain in control of Crimea, where Interfax reported they seized control of two Ukrainian missile defence sites overnight, and President Vladimir Putin gave no sign of backing down. On Tuesday (March 4) he defended Russia's actions in Crimea, which used to be Russian territory, and said he would use force only as a last resort. http://www.theshortpenguin.com/