12.42pm GMT
The Guardian’s
Shaun Walker has filed this from Belbek, where
warning shots were fired by Russian troops earlier today (video).
A standoff between Russian-speaking and Ukrainian soldiers at the Belbek airbase in Crimea threatened to erupt into clashes as warning shots were fired by Russian forces.
The majority of the base has been taken over by heavily armed Russian troops, including several armoured vehicles with Russian military plates. They have been joined by half a dozen masked men, who identified themselves as the self-defence unit of Sevastopol.
One of them, who said he was an entrepreneur named Ura, was dressed in military fatigues. “I don’t want my city to be bombed by the planes int this airfield if Kiev fascists give the order. That’s why we’re here,” he said.
Asked about the Russian troops he said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Can you see any identifying marks on their uniforms? I can’t. They’re not Russian troops.”
Asked about the military vehicles with Russian plates, he said: “I don’t know they’re probably left over here from before”.
The Ukrainian regiment who had been stationed at Belbek and are still in control of some of the buildings at the base, say they want to be able to guard the weapons storage facility. Yuli Mamchur, the commander, told the Guardian, “I just want my men to be able to do their duty”.
He had given the Russians a 2pm (local) deadline to allow them to enter the weapons store with Russian troops. After a brief stand-off the Ukrainian troops retreated. It was not clear whether they planned to return.
Updated at 1.31pm GMT
At building a bridge. Russia wayyyyy over their heads seriously.
