Ukraine's Crimeans eye alliance with Russia

Speculation is rife that Crimea – with its large ethnic Russian population and fervent pro-Moscow mood – could become the target of Kremlin ambitions, and a possible secessionist plot that would rip Ukraine apart.

All eyes are on Sevastopol, the historic home of Russia's Black Sea fleet. Russian media said Viktor Yanukovych – last spotted in the resort of Balaclava – may have taken refuge on a Russian military boat in the port.

Angry crowds, meanwhile, gathered in Sevastopol. They reject the authority of Kiev's new opposition-led government and want to install as mayor Alexei Chalov, a businessman and Russian citizen who favours union with Moscow. On Monday a Russian flag was even hoisted above Sevastopol's city hall.

These febrile scenes raise the spectre that Crimea might declare autonomy from Kiev and seek to join the Russian Federation, possibly after a Kremlin-encouraged referendum. This scenario is, as yet, unlikely. But with Moscow's intentions unclear and a power vacuum in Kiev, Sevastopol is key to Ukraine's future as a unitary sovereign state.