Kiev - Following the recent ouster of Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych, the Russian government, has mobilized Russian military for what is seemingly a military intervention.
Russian forces have already moved its troops to three bases in the Crimean region last Sunday, effectively cutting off 15,000 Ukranian soldiers in the area. In response, Kiev has called on its reservists and raised its military condition to red alert status.
Moscow's forces in the Crimea are said to number at 25,000 soldiers. Their inventory includes 388 warships and 161 aircraft. In total, Russia has 845,000 men, easily eclipsing Ukraine's 130,000. On top of that, Russia enjoys significant technological advantage in military equipment, weapons, and vehicles.
The Russian administration, specifically Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, has called the ejection of Yanukovich as an action resulting from a clear and intentional power play by Ukranian's opposition. Medvedev stated in his official Facebook page that the opposition in Ukraine gained power by illegal means.
Medvedev added that if indeed Yanukovich is guilty of any crime, then he should be removed from power by trial and impeachment, as what is stated in the constitution. Yanukovich fled from Ukraine more than a week ago and has now settled in Russia for the mean time.
The mobilization of the Russian military into Kiev, according to Medvedev, is not a declaration of war from Russia. He clarified that such action is meant to protect Russian citizens and Russian-speaking individuals from a situation that Medvedev describes as unstable.
Tension between the neighboring states has escalated since Friday, February 28th, when armed gunmen wearing masks and military fatigues seize control of the principal airport in Simferopol, the capital of Crimea, Ukraine's most troubled region.
24 hours earlier, armed personnel occupied government buildings in Simferopol and hoisted the Russian flag over the regional parliament building.
Still, Medveded stated the Russian government aims for peace and will set aside any potential military actions if Ukraine is willing to foster "mutually beneficial and effective relations".
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
