KIEV, March 1 - Parliament Speaker and interim President Oleksandr Turchynov has accused Russia of military aggression against Ukraine.

"Russia has started blatant aggression against Ukraine under the guise of military exercises. The Russian Federation has sent troops to Crimea, which have not only seized the Crimean parliament and Council of Ministers but are also trying to take control of communication facilities and the bases where the servicemen are stationed," Turchynov said in a televised address late on Friday.