SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine — Anti-Western activists in southern Ukraine have protested the arrival of a U.S. Navy ship that will take part in joint military drills.
Some 100 mostly elderly protesters rallied in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol against Ukraine’s cooperation with the U.S. and NATO.
The activists burned a mock American flag, shouted "Yankee Go Home" and hurled other insults upon the arrival of the Vella Gulf guided missile cruiser.
The ship will take part in anti-piracy and other drills with the Ukrainian navy.
Under President Viktor Yanukovych Ukraine gave up the goal of joining NATO, but continues military cooperation with the U.S. and other NATO members.
The military alliance remains unpopular among the majority of Ukrainians, especially in the pro-Russian east and south.
