Ukrainian troops begin special operation in Slavyansk - reports

The Ukrainian army has reportedly begun a special operation against pro-autonomy activists in the eastern town of Slavyansk early Friday morning, as air raid sirens went off and gunfire was heard.

Slovyank self-defense forces told RIA Novosti that the Ukrainian military has attacked several positions.

“The attack is targeting a few roadblocks at the same time. A few armored vehicles and airborne combat vehicles arrived and airborne troops descended from the helicopters and attacked the roadblocks. Some forces were dropped off around the train station, where we didn’t have anyone,” RIA Novosti quoted the press secretary of the Slavyansk self-defense units as saying.

BREAKING: Ukraine's defense ministry has been given orders to withdraw Ukrainian forces from Crimea: acting presiden

Ukraine’s Defence Ministry has been given orders to withdraw Ukrainian forces from Crimea – acting President (Reuters)

Ukraine Crimea War: EU to postpone sanctions' debate

Hours earlier the EU leaders announced 3-step sanctions against Russia, from political to possible economic measures.

US destroyer "routine visit" on Black Sea. EU to postpone sanctions' debate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YI0qEU9VnnQ#t=0

Moscow accuses Washington of feeding the Ukrainian protests

According the Russian Foreign Ministry, quoted by Itar-Tass: Washington cannot admit, of course, that they themselves were feeding the “Maidan” [protests] and encouraging the overthrow of the legitimate government by force, thus paving the way to those who are posing as the legitimate authorities in Kiev now