Russia completing conquest of Ukrainian military bases in Crimea

Russian forces spent the weekend completing their seizure of Ukrainian military bases in Crimea, conquering a third air base in Belbek, whose commander Col. Yuriy Mamchur has been detained. The captures have occurred with minimal resistance from Ukrainian forces, some of whom were hospitalized during the attacks but none killed this weekend, based on available information. Several ships were stormed and captured, and several commadners kidnapped.

About two-thirds of Crimea was without electricity as of the morning of March 24, which Ukrainian authorities attributed to a network error. Crimean officials alleged it was a deliberate act by Ukrainian power generators.

Zenon Zawada: The Crimean conflict has been a public relations disaster for the interim Ukrainian government. The reason is not so much because it surrendered so willingly, which is a contested decision but has its supporters. The government failed to give its unarmed soldiers clear instructions in how to deal with armed Russian troops, neglecting the opportunity to evacuate them when it was clear their lives would be in danger.