Russian troops are now in control of two airports in the Ukraine, according to reports.
The Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has called the siege “a military invasion and occupation.”
Gunmen have set up checkpoints outside the airports and reports have said the military men refuse to talk to reporters and did not have any insignia on their uniforms.
The Russian foreign ministry and the Russian defense ministry have not commented.
"It is in violation of all international treaties and norms," Avakov said. "This is a direct provocation to armed bloodshed on the territory of a sovereign state."
However, top Ukrainian security officials have said the two airports in Crimea are still under Ukrainian control.
The latest event comes just after the pro-Russian president left last weekend after months of protests. In Kiev, Ukraine’s parliament has adopted a resolution calling for a U.N. Security Council meeting.
The president, Viktor Yanukovych, has sought shelter in Russia.
Also this week, masked gunmen with grenades and snipers seized the parliament and government offics in Simferopol and raised the Russian flag.
The country’s new interim president, Oleksandr Turchynov has asked that the military retake the building.
"Anyone who tries to, and I stress anyone, to take over the government buildings in Ukraine's east, west, center, south, and north, is going to be treated as having committed a crime against the government of Ukraine," he said.
Publication Date: February 28, 2014.
