Shots fired as Russian troops storm Ukrainian base in Crimea
- 10 years ago
Armored vehicles and visible anxiety... as Russian troops storm a Ukrainian airbase in Crimea.
One vehicle rams against the gate, attempting to force its way in.
The footage comes to an abrupt halt - as a man in a military uniform dismantles a Ukrainian military camera used to film the scene. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire.
A Ukrainian serviceman was reportedly injured in the takeover. And the base commander was detained for talks.
The Belbek airbase was one of the last military facilities in Crimea still under Ukrainian control.
But on Saturday, Ukrainian soldiers sang the national anthem for the last time.
For Russia's supporters, however, it's a welcome change
SOUNDBITE: People chanting:
"Russia! Russia!"
Kiev insists that Crimea's bases are still formally under Ukrainian control although most are now occupied by Russian troops and fly the Russian flag.
One vehicle rams against the gate, attempting to force its way in.
The footage comes to an abrupt halt - as a man in a military uniform dismantles a Ukrainian military camera used to film the scene. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire.
A Ukrainian serviceman was reportedly injured in the takeover. And the base commander was detained for talks.
The Belbek airbase was one of the last military facilities in Crimea still under Ukrainian control.
But on Saturday, Ukrainian soldiers sang the national anthem for the last time.
For Russia's supporters, however, it's a welcome change
SOUNDBITE: People chanting:
"Russia! Russia!"
Kiev insists that Crimea's bases are still formally under Ukrainian control although most are now occupied by Russian troops and fly the Russian flag.