-- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Kyiv as U.S. officials announced Washington is preparing a $1 billion aid package for Ukraine.
-- Speaking at a press conference at his residence, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the change of government in Ukraine an "unconstitutional overthrow and an armed seizure of power."
-- Putin also said there are no considerations to annex Crimea and no intentions to provoke separatist sentiment. He said it is up to the citizens of Crimea to determine their own future.
-- In Crimea, there are standoffs between Russian and Ukrainian troops in their bases, with conflicting reports of ultimatums given to Ukrainian troops to surrender that come and pass.
-- Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin has said that Ukraine's ousted President Viktor Yanukovych sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin requesting that he use the Russian military to restore law and order in his country.
-- In eastern Ukraine, pro-Russian demonstrators have occupied part of the regional government building in the city of Donetsk. Meanwhile, a few hundred pro-Russian activists tried but failed to force their way into the regional administration building in the southern city of Odesa.
NOTE: Live blog updates are listed according to local time in Kyiv
The Ukrainian parliament has confirmed the country's new cabinet. (agencies)
13:1827.2.2014
Some more details on Yatsenyuk's confirmation as prime minister:
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, one of the leaders of recent antigovernment protests in Ukraine, has been confirmed as the country's new prime minister.
Parliament overwhelmingly confirmed Yatsenyuk in a vote today.
Addressing lawmakers, Yatsenyuk warned of "unpopular" decisions ahead to tackle the country's economic crisis.
He vowed to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union, but also said Kyiv wants a partnership with Russia.
He pledged his government will preserve Ukraine's territorial integrity, saying Crimea "has been and will be a part of Ukraine."
In Crimea today, a group of armed men seized the regional parliament and government buildings, raising the Russian flag.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's fugitive ousted president, Viktor Yanukovych, said in a message to today that he had asked Russia for protection.
A Russian official said the Kremlin had agreed to ensure his personal security on its territory.
(Reuters, AP, pravda.com.ua)
12:5927.2.2014
!!! BREAKING NEWS !!!
The Ukrainian parliament has confirmed Arseniy Yatsenyuk as the country's new prime minister. (agencies)
12:5727.2.2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Clashes In Crimea
Photo Gallery:
Clashes In Crimea
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.
12:2827.2.2014
This just in from the wires:
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, one of the leaders of recent antigovernment protests in Ukraine, has been nominated to head a new coalition government.
Yatsenyuk was nominated today by a newly formed coalition in parliament .
Addressing lawmakers shortly after his nomination, Yatsenyuk warned of "unpopular" decisions that will have to be taken in order to tackle the country's economic crisis.
He said that resuming talks with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund about financial aid would be one of the top priorities of the new government.
He also described Russia as "a partner" and not just a neighbor.
Parliament is expected to confirm Yatsenyuk and his new government later today.
Acting President Oleksander Turchynov said the new coalition was backed by 250 deputies in the 450-seat legislature. (Reuters, Interfax, UNIAN)
11:5027.2.2014
Ex Crimean PM claims parliament in Simferopol occupied by 120 professional soldiers who can sustain month-long siege http://t.co/H4udvp3ovj
This just in from RFE/RL's Brussels correspondent Rikard Jozwiak:
The European Parliament has called for the freezing of all assets belonging to ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
The resolution, supported by all major political groups in the chamber, calls for an investigation into "the massive embezzlement of state funds and assets by the cronies and 'family' of ousted President Yanukovych" and asks that their financial resources be frozen pending clarification on how they were acquired.
EU lawmakers also urged EU member states to implement their own legislation to stop the flow of embezzled money from Ukraine and to ensure the return of stolen assets deposited in the EU.
The text of the resolution includes a line confirming that Article 49 of the EU treaty applies to Ukraine.
The article in question states that the EU is open to all European countries that respect principles such as democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
11:3727.2.2014
Klitschko addresses the Crimean people.
"I, Vitali Klitschko, personally guarantee that there will be none of the mythical radicals and nationalists that you are scared about. They are not coming for you and they don't plan to interfere with life on the peninsula. No one is infringing -- or will infringe -- on your language, culture, or right to autonomy. I personally guarantee it."
10:5127.2.2014
Russia's deterrent? Nikolai Valuyev former boxer & now Russian MP arrives in Sevastopol to "support" Russian speakers pic.twitter.com/UR9VWUmOFy
