CRI听力:Ukraine: Military Presence in Crimea Growing

Ukraine's acting president says Russia's military presence in the Crimea is growing, and is calling on Moscow to halt what he describes as aggression.

Aleksander Turchinov admits the situation is difficult in certain Russian speaking regions in the south and east of the country.

However, he says Ukrainian authorities have the situation under control.

"From the world's leading countries we are awaiting not only moral support but also real help, and I'm sure, it will come. I appeal to Russia's leadership - stop the provocative actions, aggression and piracy. This is a crime and you will answer for it."

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to arrive in Ukraine later today.

The Obama administration says its been working in lock-step with its European allies to "isolate" Russia in the fallout from the situation.

Obama says this may include sanctions and travel bans for Russian officials.

NATO is set to convene a special meeting later on this Tuesday in Brussels to discuss the situation in the Crimea.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian interim President Alexander Turchinov says Russia's Black Sea Fleet has trapped Ukrainian navy vessels in the port of Sevastopol, the Crimean port where the Russian fleet has a base.

It's said that two Ukrainian naval vessels are now in a stand-off with the Russian navy, as the Ukrainian crews have refused to surrender their ships.

Russian forces have reportedly given an ultimatum to Ukrainian naval forces in the Crimea to surrender or face a military assault.

The Russian side had denied these claims.

While all this takes place, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held a telephone conversation with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov about the situation in Ukraine.

Both have reportedly agreed the properly handling the situation is critical for the safeguarding of regional peace and stability.