Ukrainian Navy Chief 'Defects,' Pledges Allegiance to the Crimean People

Ukrainian Navy Chief 'Defects,' Pledges Allegiance to the Crimean People

BBC News: The newly appointed head of Ukraine’s navy has sworn allegiance to the Crimea region, in the presence of its unrecognised pro-Russian leader. Rear Admiral Denis Berezovsky was only made head of the navy on Saturday, as the government in Kiev reacted to the threat of Russian invasion. Russia’s troops have been consolidating their hold on Crimea, which is home to its Black Sea Fleet. The US has warned Moscow may be ejected from the G8 for its actions. US President Barack Obama called Russian troop deployments a “violation of Ukrainian sovereignty”.

Translation of Video:

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.

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