The pro-Russian prime minister of Ukraine's restive Crimea claimed control of all military, police and other security services in the region today and appealed to Russia's president for help in keeping peace there.
In a statement reported by local and Russian news agencies, Sergei Aksenov declared that the armed forces, the police, the national security service and border guards will answer only to his orders. He said any commanders who do not agree should leave their posts.
"Understanding my responsibility for the life and security of citizens, I appeal to the president of Russia Vladimir Putin for assistance in guaranteeing peace and calmness on the territory of the autonomous republic of Crimea," Aksenov said in his statement.
Aksenov, the head of the main pro-Russia party on the peninsula, was appointed by the Crimean parliament on Thursday as tensions soared over Crimea's resistance to the new authorities in Kiev, who took power last week.
Armed men described as Russian troops yesterday took control of key airports in Crimea, where the Russian Black Sea Fleet is based.
