Fighting Reported in Crimea - Ukraine

There are reports of fighting in Crimea between rival groups of pro-Russian and Ukrainian nationalist groups, with the pro-Russian faction seizing government buildings in the regional capital city of Simferopol.  Crimea is part of Ukraine, but hosts a major Russian naval base on the Black Sea city of Sevastopol, and thus is of strategic importance to Russia.  Russia is holding a massive military exercise beginning tomorrow, and is reported to be fortifying its base in Sevastapol with Russian troops.

Also, deposed Ukrainian leader and kleptocrat Viktor Yanukovich has apparently fled to Russia, where he is under the protection of Russia's mini-czar Vladimir Putin.  Yanukovich, who was removed from office several days ago by the Ukrainian Parliament, has become infamous for his lavish estate and lifestyle, while Ukraine has suffered through an economic recession.