Police re-captured the administrative headquarters of the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk and have around 68 pro-Russian protesters in custody who are being questioned over the occupation.

The US envoy to the UN has told the Security Council that it time for Russian intervention in Ukraine to end.

Samantha Power said: "Actions speak louder than words. Early this morning the Russian Duma acted to authorize the use of military force in Ukraine. this is as dangerous as it is destabilising.

"We are deeply disturbed of reports this morning of Russian military intervention into Crimea. This intervention is without legal basis, indeed it violates Russian's commitment to protect the sovereignty territorial integrity of Ukraine.