*This is update is being typed on a mobile device in my doctor’s waiting room. More posts will come later in the day but this one is going to be quite short.*
Ten minutes ago news services began reporting that Ukrainian forces in the Crimea have been issued an ultimatum by Russia; Surrender by 0300 hours Zulu (GMT) or “Face a Storm.” It certainly is in Russia’s best interests to secure the Crimea as quickly and with as little bloodshed as possible. Whether or not that is going to be possible is another question entirely. We will find out at 0300 GMT.