They say they're making a stand against fascism and nationalism, and call Ukraine a "fake state". Pro-Russian forces in Crimea are vowing to fight anyone who tries to stop the peninsula being absorbed into the Russian Federation. As FRANCE 24's team in Crimea discovered, young local recruits are signing up in droves, willing to take an active part in what they see as history in the making.

Visit our website:
http://www.france24.com

Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English

Follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/France24_en