Crimean forces occupy naval base in Sevastopol

Crimean forces occupy naval base in Sevastopol

SEVASTOPOL -- Crimean units for self-defense have occupied a Ukrainian naval base in Sevastopol on the Black Sea, reported the AP.

A photographer with the U.S. news agency said that he was present when members of a Crimean self-defense unit occupied the base of the Ukrainian Navy, and displayed the Russian flag.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Crimean leaders on Tuesday in Moscow signed a treaty uniting Crimea and Sevastopol, a city with special status, with the Russian Federation.

Previously, citizens of Crimea voted in a referendum on Sunday to support joining Russia with overwhelming majority.

Ukraine and the West believe that the referendum was not legal.