This beautiful video shows Ukrainian soldiers bracing for attack inside a Crimean base

July 30, 2016

Updated on Dec 23, 2014

By Ben C. SolomonBen Solomon

Editor's note: This story was originally published on March 3, 2014. It is being featured again as one of GlobalPost's 2014 must-reads.

BELBEK AIR FORCE BASE, Ukraine — Russian forces in Crimea issued an ultimatum to the Ukrainian military there on March 3: surrender or face attack. At Belbek air base near the city of Sevastopol, these soldiers refused to leave.

"I'm Russian. All of my family is in Russia. My father is on a military pension there," one says. "But I took a oath to Ukraine and I will stand here."

Check out more of GlobalPost's extensive coverage of Ukraine in 2014.

Will you support The World today?

The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. If you’ve been thinking about making a donation, this is the best time to do it. Your support will get our fundraiser off to a solid start and help keep our newsroom on strong footing. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!