Ukraine border guards: Russian troops flowing into Crimea, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, US and EU issue joint statement condemning Russia

Putin says 'threat of ultranationalists' forced him to intervene

Russia has operational control of Crimea region, UK Foreign Secretary Hague says.
The Russian troops flowing into Crimea, but UN’s chief says will ask Russia’s Lavrov to refrain from acts or rhetoric that further escalate the situation in #Ukraine

Meanwhile, the Fear of Ukraine, Russia war sends shock-waves through global markets as Pro-Russian troops control a ferry terminal on the easternmost tip of Ukraine's Crimea region close to Russia while  Ukrainian Prime Minister Yatseniuk says Ukraine will never give up Crimea to anyone.

 In the same vain Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, US and EU issue joint statement condemning Russia.  UK's #Hague warns Russia of 'consequence and costs' over #Ukrain

Earlier today, Ukraine Border Guards say Russia is blocking mobile telephone communications in some parts of Crimea, report navy movements in Black Sea around Sevastopol.

 Here is the full text of the statement by the G7:
We, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States and the President of the European Council and President of the European Commission, join together today to condemn the Russian Federation’s clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in contravention of Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter and its 1997 basing agreement with Ukraine. We call on Russia to address any ongoing security or human rights concerns that it has with Ukraine through direct negotiations, and/or via international observation or mediation under the auspices of the UN or the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We stand ready to assist with these efforts.
We also call on all parties concerned to behave with the greatest extent of self-restraint and responsibility, and to decrease the tensions.
We note that Russia’s actions in Ukraine also contravene the principles and values on which the G-7 and the G-8 operate. As such, we have decided for the time being to suspend our participation in activities associated with the preparation of the scheduled G-8 Summit in Sochi in June, until the environment comes back where the G-8 is able to have meaningful discussion.
We are united in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to choose its own future. We commit ourselves to support Ukraine in its efforts to restore unity, stability, and political and economic health to the country. To that end, we will support Ukraine’s work with the International Monetary Fund to negotiate a new program and to implement needed reforms. IMF support will be critical in unlocking additional assistance from the World Bank, other international financial institutions, the EU, and bilateral sources.


Putin says 'threat of ultranationalists' forced him to intervene

Vladimir Putin has spoken to Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, and said that the "threat of violence from ultranationalists" forced him to intervene.

 In a sign of Putin's reach, Ukraine's head of navy has defected - and been charged with treason.