Ukraine is pulling its troops from Crimea, bowing to Russian reality

Ukraine has drawn up plans to withdraw its military forces from Russian-occupied Crimea, bringing up to 25,000 military personnel and their family members back to the mainland. Ukraine's Crimean military facilities have been surrounded by pro-Moscow militias and Russian soldiers for about two weeks, and heavily armed militia fighters finally stormed the headquarters of Ukraine's Navy in Sevastopol late Tuesday, killing one Ukrainian officer and securing the premises with the help of Russian troops. The move is a tacit surrendering of Crimea to Russia, and a deep bow to the realities of a stronger military power moving into Ukraine's backyard.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.