Russia's President Vladimir Putin addresses a joint session of Russian parliament on Crimea in the Kremlin in Moscow, on March 18, 2014. Putin pushed today every emotional button of the collective Russian psyche as he justified the incorporation of Crimea, citing everything from ancient history to Russia's demand for respect to Western double standards. (AFP)

Russian flags flying at Ukraine base in Crimea

Three Russian flags were flying at one of the entrances to Ukraine's naval headquarters in the Crimean port of Sevastopol on Wednesday, suggesting that at least some of the base was under the control of pro-Russian forces.

A Reuters witness saw three armed men, possibly Russian soldiers in unmarked uniforms, at the gate where the flags were flying.

Also in the area were several unarmed members of so-called "self-defence" units, made up of volunteers who have supported Russia's annexation of Crimea.

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