Fears of pro-Russian separatism in Ukraine's Crimea

2014-02-23 107

Ukraine's eastern region of Crimea.

Scuffles in this Russian-speaking region broke out on Sunday in reaction to the change of power in the capital Kiev.

They were between supporters of the new order that want closer ties to Europe and pro-Russian demonstrators who want to stay close to Moscow.

One day after Russian-backed President Viktor Yanukovich was toppled from power, tension in Crimea is raising fears of separatism.

In the city of Kerch, pro-Russian demonstrators rallied next to a statue of Vladimir Lenin and called on Crimea to secede from Ukraine.

These protesters at city hall tried to replace the nation's flag with a Russian flag.

The local mayor said that isn't going to happen.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) KERCH MAYOR, OLEG OSADCHY, SAYING:

"Ukraine is one and undivided country. The Crimean Autonomous Republic is part of Ukraine. The city is functioning in total calm."

Neighbors of this former Soviet republic say a temporary powe