Ukraine’s turmoil continues as more citizens protest the “corrupt” Ukrainian government as well as Russian occupation. The president of the Ukraine fled the country leaving it in a state of upheaval; in his absence, Vladimir Putin invaded Crimea, in the name of protecting Russian ethnic groups inhabiting the Ukraine.

Despite Putin’s promise to withdraw troops, thousands of troops still remain at the border of Ukraine.

The Ukraine has pleaded with Western nations for military support. Obama has issued sanctions against members of Putin’s inner circle and provided financial aid to Kiev, but has not send troops.

Pro-Russia protestors in the Ukraine stormed government offices in Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv. Protesters reportedly hung Russian flags from the buildings, calling for “a referendum on independence.”

The acting president of the Ukraine, Olexander Turchynov, posted on his Facebook: “The people who have gathered are not many but they are very aggressive. The situation will be brought under control without bloodshed. But at the same time, a firm approach will be used against all who attack government buildings, law enforcement officers and other citizens.”

Haley Kerner ’16 thinks that “it’s difficult to predict what the Ukraine’s coup and Russia’s invasion will eventually lead to as there are so many different factors.”

Russia recently warned the Ukrainian government that using force against protestors in the Eastern regions “could lead to civil war.”  Kiev is still looking for ways to control the pro-Moscow protesters that have staged uprisings in three Ukrainian cities.

Amongst the political turmoil, a trend has emerged in Crimea: taking “seflies with soldiers.” Typically posted to Instagram, Marcela Riddick ’16 thinks, “It’s turning something that should be serious into an outlet of human vanity.”

For more information regarding the political region break-downs of Ukraine, please refer to this interactive provided by CNN News.