After the death today of one Ukrainian soldier the conflict enters a military phase 1803143.

The Ukrainian military base was attacked by unknown forces, fully equipped and their faces covered.

"The preparedness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has already considerably changed compared to what it was two weeks ago. Due to the events in the Crimea and on the eastern borders of the country, a number of decisions to appropriately prepare the Armed Forces to fulfill their obligations have been made, with the government’s assistance. You know that on March 3, all of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were put on the highest level of alert — “full combat alert.” All servicemen are working on the fulfillment of their tasks and training goals according to schedule", said Defense Minister of Ukraine Ihor Tenyukh during an interview with the press agency Interfax-Ukraine.

He added, "The Ukrainian Armed Forces exist to protect the state from any aggressor and from any direction. That’s why we’re ready for it and keep increasing our efforts. The Ukrainian Armed Forces will fulfill their constitutional duty, particularly — they will protect Ukraine. "

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry as of January 1, 2014, the headcount of the Black Sea Fleet of Russian armed forces amounted to 12,500 servicemen. Unfortunately, during a very short term, this number has increased from 12,500 to 22,000.

Monday, March 17, according to the Ukrainian ministry of Defense, a total of 60,000 Russian soldiers are deployed at Eastern border of Ukraine and in Crimea.

The Ukrainian army was put on full alert; all military units and formations were regrouped and deployed in defined areas.