Ukraine's New Navy Head Defects to Crimea

Rear Admiral Denys Berezovsky, head of Ukraine’s Navy, defected in Crimea. He was appointed on Saturday by Ukraine’s interim president Oleksandr Turchinov.

Here is the translation, courtesy of BBC:

I, Berezovsky Denys Valentynovych, pledge allegiance to the residents of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the hero city of Sevastopol. I vow to strictly follow orders from the commander-in-chief of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and hero city of Sevastopol, as well as orders by military commanders appointed by them, demands placed by the military code. I vow to fulfil my military duty properly and bravely defend the life and property of the people of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

The BBC live blog reported Ukraine’s prosecutor general is now investigating Berezovsky for high treason. Interim President Oleksandr Turchynov chose Serhiy Haiduk as acting commander of the Ukrainian Navy.

Gunmen and Russian soldiers surrounded at least two Ukraine military bases in Crimea. Prime Minister Arsent Yatseniuk ordered full military mobilization for war.