Crowds of ethnic Russians and Crimean Tatars clashed in Simferopol in southern Ukraine on February 26 during protests near the parliament building. The opposing demonstrations were sparked by growing calls for the Crimea region to secede from the rest of the country.The following day, armed men occupied the parliament building as well as another government facility and raised the Russian flag.
Clashes In Crimea
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Men help pull one another out of a crushing stampede as a Crimean flag is waved near the regional parliament building in Simferopol on February 26.
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Pro-Ukrainian and Pro-Russian supporters during the protest near the parliament building in Simferopol.
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Police could not keep the opposing crowds apart.
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Riot police stand guard inside the parliament building in Simferopol.
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Crimean Tatars rally near the regional parliament building.
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Pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian crowds jammed the plaza in front the Crimean parliament.
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Pro-Ukrainian activists shout during a rally in front of the Crimean parliament.
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Pro-Ukrainian activists fight with pro-Russian activists.
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A man receives assistance after being injured in a stampede during the clashes.
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Ukrainian police try to separate the opposing sides on February 26.
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The scene is quieter on February 27 after the Crimean parliament was seized by what appeared to be a pro-Russian armed group.