16:42
13.3.2014
Also from our newsdesk:
Russian flag carrier Aeroflot has changed some flight routes so that the airline's planes do not fly over Ukrainian territory.
Aeroflot spokesman Andrei Sogrin today confirmed the company's decision, which he said was made to "ensure the planes' security" due to the situation around Ukraine's Crimea region.
He said all flights from Moscow that would normally pass over the territory of Ukraine would now bypass it.
The Interfax news agency said Aeroflot was one of "several" Russian airlines that have changed routes to bypass Ukraine.
Russian flag carrier Aeroflot has changed some flight routes so that the airline's planes do not fly over Ukrainian territory.
Aeroflot spokesman Andrei Sogrin today confirmed the company's decision, which he said was made to "ensure the planes' security" due to the situation around Ukraine's Crimea region.
He said all flights from Moscow that would normally pass over the territory of Ukraine would now bypass it.
The Interfax news agency said Aeroflot was one of "several" Russian airlines that have changed routes to bypass Ukraine.
16:38
13.3.2014
A little addition to our earlier report that the Russian military is conducting exercises in it Southern Military District near Ukraine. The Defense Ministry now says it has ent six Su-27 jet fighters and three military transport planes to Belarus. It said it was responding to a request prompted by joint U.S.-Polish exercises in Poland.
16:32
13.3.2014
Pro-Russian billboard in #Sevastopol ahead of referendum in #Crimea on Sunday. Says choose Fascism or #Russia pic.twitter.com/e0AWZgot8c
— Jennifer Glasse (@JenniferGlasse) March 13, 2014
16:27
13.3.2014
Some of the Russian artists who have spoken against their country's actions in Crimea.
Вось якія людзі ёсьць. pic.twitter.com/LMXcAEj9re
— Радыё Свабода (@svaboda) March 13, 2014
16:19
13.3.2014
Here's RFE/RL Ukrainian Service video of the same Simferopol protest (which they're describing as a flash mob). The protesters were also demanding the release of abducted journalists and activists.
16:09
13.3.2014
#Crimean govt plans to nationalise banks, restricts cash withdrawals - hence queues at #Simferopol ATM cash points. pic.twitter.com/0sMfjgNVAI
— Lindsey Hilsum (@lindseyhilsum) March 13, 2014
16:00
13.3.2014
At last some good news from Crimea. A baby zebra was born today in Yalta's zoo. Its name? "Russia."
15:53
13.3.2014
Ukrainian border guards serving in Crimea are getting a pay rise and a bonus.
Kyiv has earmarked 15.5 million Hryvnia ($1.6 million) for the purpose.
Kyiv has earmarked 15.5 million Hryvnia ($1.6 million) for the purpose.
15:43
13.3.2014
Firtash's company and Ukraine's Foreign Ministry both confirm his arrest in Vienna.
— Maria Danilova (@mashadanilova) March 13, 2014
15:39
13.3.2014
This collection of poems on the "heavenly hundred," the victims of the Euromaidan protests, is on offer at Kyiv's parliament. Buyers simply leave money on the table.
Сборник стихов о Небесной сотни. Автор оставил на столе в парламенте, люди проходят, берут сборник, оставляют деньги pic.twitter.com/P9apnU2wV8
— Павел Шеремет (@pavelsheremet) March 13, 2014