Soldiers on the remaining bases are feeling abandoned by the Ukrainian government. They have been besieged by Russian forces since February 28.
Pro Ukraine rallies took place for a second day, in various parts of Crimea. Police protected them from groups of Pro Russian militias. The militias and their supporters had attacked some of the rallies, on Sunday.
Militias are still maintaining a presence along the region's border, keeping international observers and everyday Ukrainians out. However, reports have come that in some cases they are kidnapping Ukrainian activists and reporters who attempt to cross over. In all known cases they were women in their twenties.
Ukraine's interim government passed warrants for the leaders of the separatist government in Crimea. The separatist leaders have pushed through a referendum on leaving Ukraine and joining Russia, which is set to take place on Sunday, March 9. Governments around the world have joined Ukraine in condemning the referendum.
Russia continues to move more unmarked troops into Crimea, while denying that they are theirs. NATO has announced that they will maintain an AWAC watch over the eastern borders of alliance countries. That watch will also give them sight over Ukraine and part of southwest Russia to look for any attempts to send Russian troops into eastern Ukraine.
