Ukrainian Navy Chief Fired After Declaring Pro-Russia Views

Troops in unmarked uniforms stand guard in Balaklava on the outskirts of Sevastopol seen through a car window with a Russian flag, Ukraine, Saturday, March 1, 2014. An emblem on one of the vehicles and their number p... Troops in unmarked uniforms stand guard in Balaklava on the outskirts of Sevastopol seen through a car window with a Russian flag, Ukraine, Saturday, March 1, 2014. An emblem on one of the vehicles and their number plates identify them as belonging to the Russian military. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of sending new troops into Crimea, a strategic Russia-speaking region that hosts a major Russian navy base. The Kremlin hasn't responded to the accusations, but Russian lawmakers urged President Putin to act to protect Russians in Crimea. (AP Photo/Andrew Lubimov) MORE LESS
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KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — A Ukrainian security official says the head of the country’s navy has been dismissed and faces a treason investigation after declaring allegiance to the pro-Russian government of the Crimea region.

Deputy National Security Council Secretary Viktoria Siumar told journalists at a briefing that Adm. Denis Berezovsky had been fired and replaced by another officer. She said he had offered no resistance when his headquarters was surrounded by pro-Russian forces and then transferred his allegiance to the regional parliament in Crimea.

The parliament has elected a pro-Russian leader who says he does not recognize the newly elected central government.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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