MOSCOW
Russia’s parliament has unanimously approved President Vladimir Putin's request for potential use of armed forces in Ukraine’s Crimean Autonomous Republic, as Crimea’s Prime Minister tightens the hold on security forces.
Putin sent the request to the Russian legislature's upper house on Saturday, the Federation Council, which approved the motion, according to the constitution.
Putin referred to Ukraine’s Crimean Autonomous Republic as the "territory of Ukraine" in his motion, signifying the possibility that Moscow may use military force in other Russian-speaking areas in eastern and southern Ukraine, where many oppose Ukraine’s new government.
The deployment of Russian troops in Crimea has been described by Ukrainian officials as an "ongoing invasion" of the strategic autonomous region.
"In line with the 102 article of the Russian Constitution, I'm submitting a request for using the armed forces of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine pending the normalization of the socio-political situation in that country," a statement by the Kremlin Press Office said.
Putin said that his move aimed to protect ethnic Russians and the personnel of a Russian military base in strategic Crimea.
Putin’s request for Russian troops in Crimea came after Sergey Aksenov, the prime minister of the autonomous Republic of Crimea, called "for assistance in guaranteeing peace on the territory of the autonomous Republic of Crimea," upon which Kremlin said it would not disregard the appeal.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry voiced its concerns over the latest developments in Crimea, and the Russian parliament, and called to take "necessary measures to maintain stability in Ukraine."
“A group of unidentified armed people sent from Kiev attempted to seize the Ministry of the Interior of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea overnight on March 1,” said Russia’s Foreign Ministry in a statement.
Meanwhile, Aksenov claimed control of the security forces in the country Saturday, according to Russia’s media.
Pro-Russian Aksenov said that the military, police and other security services would receive orders directly from him, according to Russian news agency Interfax.
Aksenov demanded that those commanders who did not agree with the decision leave their duty.
Aksenov was appointed on February 27 as the chairman of the Crimean parliament, backed by the majority of lawmakers. Crimea’s parliament announced Saturday that it will hold a referendum on March 30 to decide its future, rather than earlier announcement of May 25.
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