Russian MP: Troops 'entitled' to be in Crimea
A Russian MP has defended the country's military presence in the eastern region of Crimea.
Vyacheslav Nikonov, from President Putin's United Russia party, said troops were 'entitled' to be there under a treaty between the two countries.
The politician added that it was "naïve" to expect Russian military to stand aside after the Ukrainian coup.
Mr Nikonov told BBC Radio 5 live's Breakfast: "Russia is entitled to have up to 25,000 troops there. I don't think there are more than 15,000."
04 Mar 2014
- From the section Europe