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 lakeDonuzlav, Ukrainian trawler “Cherkasy” has fought off the attack by Russian armed forces
• On lakeDonuzlav, 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 capeFiolent, 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