Violence and unrest continues to plague the Crimea. The last week has seen fast developments in the Black Sea peninsula, increasing tensions between Russia and the Ukraine. Western powers, including the United States and the European Union, have established economic sanctions and travel bans against various Russian officials and businesses as well as Russian economic organizations. Although the effects of the sanctions have begun to bruise the Russian economy, President Putin continues to move forward with the annexation of the Crimea.

Following the referendum on Crimean secession last weekend, Russia has moved to annex the now independent region. According to CNN, President Putin signed a treaty on Friday finalizing the annexation of Crimea. Both houses of the Russian parliament approved of the move consolidating Russian influence in the region.

Ukraine, not to be outdone, has also moved to side with the EU. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk signed a trade deal with the EU, strengthening ties between the two entities. This is the same deal rejected by the previous Ukrainian government that sparked protests in November and ousted said government.

During talks with EU officials, Yatsenyuk stated his support for the deal and dismissed Russia's treaty.

"Frankly speaking, I don't care about Russia signing this deal; I care about Ukraine, Ukrainians and our European future," he said, according to CNN. "This deal covers more existential and most important issues, mainly security and defense cooperation."

Yet, Ukraine's Prime Minister should not dismiss Russia's actions. Though he vowed to recover the Crimea, Ukraine stands the chance to lose more territory. Ukraine's eastern territories, particularly the industrial Donbass region, strongly identify with Russia. The AP reports that demonstrations in the eastern city of Donetsk call for the secession of the region and its annexation by Russia. Although Putin has stated he will not take over any more Ukrainian territory, violence in the region could provide him with an excuse for intervention.

Secessionist rumors rumble throughout Donetsk as a local parliament began working on a referendum similar to Crimea's on Friday. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will deploy a team to ease the tensions, however, the AP reports that arrests have already begun leading secessionists.

Tensions in the Crimea remain heated as Ukraine's military bases continue to be taken over by force. According to Fox News, the latest base to fall was Belbek Air Force Base. Pro-Russian forces stormed the base, ramming an armored vehicle through the walls and gate. Shots were fired and two Ukrainian officers were wounded.

Ukrainian troops defended their base by throwing smoke grenades at their assailants but could not hold them back. They reported children were among the mob that attacked the base. Although the seizure of bases continues along the peninsula, the Ukrainian military has vowed to defend its territory and remains vigilant alongside its Russian border.