Russian Senate Approves Crimea Intervention, Pro-Russian Demonstrations in Eastern Ukraine

As of about 25 minutes ago, both the Federation Council, or Senate, of Russia, has approved Putin's request to send in troops unanimously. It is estimated that about 6,000 Russian troops are already in Crimea.

DEVELOPING: #Russia won't ignore Crimea's request for help to ensure peace there - Kremlin http://t.co/61ClrQe5jp #Ukraine

— RT (@RT_com) March 1, 2014