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Kiev's Independence Square; marks the peak of three months of confrontation between the president and a large protest movement in Ukraine. The bloodshed had already killed 20 people, injured 500, amid smoke from burning buildings, rioting, alongside police bombings.
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200 people have been killed and at least 22 are seriously injured after police storm protest camp. The scenes are noted as the 'most serious escalation' and people are being warned to stay off the streets. President Yanukovych is the main target of these protests as he has stalled on a recent agreement which has upset Ukranian's.
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'Absolute chaos' in Kiev Many more people have been killed and injured following a failed truce between police and protesters. Protesters take police hostage and hotel lobby becomes a make-shift hospital for those injured.
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Protesters remain in Independence Square but it is reported that Yanukovych has left Kiev. A deal has reportedly been agreed to 'settle the crisis' and police are no longer to carry weapons.
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Protests under control and Yanukovych is to be removed as president. Parliament votes in new speaker, new interior minister andTymoshenko is released from prison in Kharkiv. Congress of regional politicians to keep constitutional order in Kiev.
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Oleksandr Turchinov assigned presidential powers. Request for loans from the West. Pro-Russia protesters begin rallying against new authorities.
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A warrant has been authorised in order for the arrest of Yanukovych.
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Ukraine faces threat of separatism. Yanukovych facing 82 cases of death but his location remains unknown. 'Yanukovych leaks' has been revealed whereby it is thought leader was being corrupt.
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In Moscow, Putin has ordered major military exercises, causing a little unrest between Russian's and Ukranian's.
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The White House has said that Russia needs to respect the soveriegnty of Ukraine if this Crimean agreement is going to work. Russia instigates military exercises and states it is just 'routine'.
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Ukraine has accused Russia of carrying out an armed invasion in order to block airports. Servicemen are supposedly blocking the airport. Yanukovych remains to be causing tension between both Russia and Ukraine.
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David Cameron expresses his concern over recent developments in Ukraine. Russian Parliament have authorised Russian military intervention thus sparking an emergency UN Security Council meeting. After speaking with President Putin, Cameron reveals 'there can be no excuse for military intervention' and we need to 'lower , not escalate tensions. The world is watching'.
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David Cameron has now revealed the pressure to de-escalate what could potentially be a very dangerous situation. The integrity of Ukraine has been violated, and Cameron does not believe this is a morally correct way of conducting international affairs. UK Ministers do not attend Sochi Paralympics, and refuse to attend G8 meetings planned in Russia.
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William Hague announces that what is happening in Ukraine is 'certainly the biggest crisis in Europe in the 21st century'. Russia have violated the independence and integrity of Ukraine and it is not acceptable. Stock markets have declined. Russia are blocking certain communications networks.
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Putin has said that Russia's presence in Ukraine is simply a 'humanitarian effort' and Ukraine's life has been 'turned into a farce' by President Yanukovych. 'If we do take military action, it will only be for protection of the Ukranian people'. Putin believes if necessary, it will be legitimate action.
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In a leaked telephone conversation, it has appeared that certain protesters who were shot in Indepence Square, may havw actually been organised by government. Talks continuing following Russia's refusal to pull troops out of Crimea.
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Plans to speed up referendum, but Crimea becomes part of Russia 'from today'. EU leaders fear Russian retaliation and German's have too much at stake economically to take action. Visa ban has been imposed. Obama has signed an order to punish individuals involved in violence or influencing the future of Ukraine. Military remain at the border of the Peninsula.
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In a telephone conversation between Obama and Putin, President Putin has claimed that the military actions imposed by his goverment are competely within the law. Obama still 'standing up for the principle of state sovereignty'. Refernedum on the issue scheduled for 16th March.
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An observation plane has been fired at whilst flying over the Crimean border. It is seen as a warning to stop people entering Crimea. President Putin is threatening to disrupt gas supplies. Pro-Russian activists gather in Donetsk against new government.
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Putin claims it is in the 'interests of the Peninsula population' that the legality of the vote, is outweighed. If Russia cuts of Ukraine's gas supply, the EU is preparing to send gas. Pro-Russia and Pro-Ukraine protests continue. Russian's are now being denied entry into Ukraine as their stay is 'undesirable'.
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Importance to remain calm and exercise restraint in order to prevent situation worsening. Putin's responsibility in shadow after he 'does not seem prepared to carry out verbal commitments'. Violence continues in Ukraine. Tymoshenko states: 'Russia's agression against Ukraine concerns the entire world'.
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Yanukovych's mishandling of the country means forces need to be rebuilt from scratch. Ukraine's Prime Minister warns the Crimean people of the consequences if they join the Russian Federation. Ukranian government frozen the accounts of Crimea. Ukraine appeals to the UK and US to take stronger action to preserve the country's borders.
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The number of Russian forces exercising military action is increasing thus making Ukraine vulnerable to attack. Armed men have now taken control of Simferepol airport and flights have been cancelled. Sevastapol is now completely out of touch with Ukraine. Observers still not allowed into country and therefore, there will be none present on the day of the referendum.
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'Russia will not surrender it's freedom or right to territorial integrity'. Angela Merkel speaks of 'worrying developments'.
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Russian military still remaining dominant force, moving it's military to different areas. Ukraine people should be allowed to determine their own future - PM Yatseniuk: 'My country has faced a military aggression of a neighboring country, which is a P-5 member. This aggression has no reason and no grounds. This is absolutely and entirely unacceptable in the 21st century to resolve any kind of conflict with tanks, artillery and boots on the ground.'
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Talks with President Putin have failed to reach negotiations as he refuses to make any decisions until the referendum on Sunday. Assurances that Russia will not invade Ukraine are being made and hopes that after the referendum, problems will be solved diplomatically.
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Despite heightening tensions, Crimeans have voted to join Russia in what has been said to be an 'illegal' vote. An official has said that 'as Ukrainians take the necessary political measures going forward, Russia must reciprocate by pulling forces back to base, and addressing the tensions and concerns about military engagement'.