The Russian Federation is continuing to build up its military presence on the Crimean territory, and build ups of troops have also been spotted near the Ukrainian-Russian border, according to the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine.
“The Russian Federation continues building up its military presence
in the Crimea. We are particularly concerned about the activity of
Russian Air Force. We are also concerned with the Ukrainian border in
the direction of Sumy and Chernihiv regions, and troops’ gathering at
the border with Belarus [intersection of borders of three countries],”
said Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry Yevhen Perebyinis during the
briefing on Wednesday.
In addition, he said that “there have been further advances of
Russian Armed Forces and Black Sea Fleet units into the territory of the
Autonomous Republic of Crimea and an increase in amounts of military
equipment in the west and north parts of the peninsula.”
Besides, Perebyinis claimed, “The building of fortified structures
and development of checkpoints at the entrance to the Crimea are still
ongoing.”
According to the ministry’s spokesman, people wearing uniforms
without insignias, along with Cossacks, seized the building of the state
border service in Yevpatoria on March 11.
In addition the Foreign Ministry claims they have registered the
cases of Ukrainian passports of local citizens being stolen on the
Crimean territory.
“The passports of local population of the Autonomous Republic of
Crimea, particularly of urban-type settlement Perevalne and surrounding
villages, are being stolen under the disguise of a review,” Perebyinis
said.
According to him, unidentified persons in groups of three-five men are stealing from locals.
Furthermore, Perebyinis reported that people wearing uniform had
detained two Italian journalists and taken their equipment in Crimea.
The reporters were set free, but they were told they could only get
their equipment back after obtaining special authorization and
accreditation in Simferopol.
