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Some Russians believe they are protecting Ukraine:

No change' in US military stance:

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke on Saturday with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, a US official told Reuters, as Russian President Vladimir Putin secured his parliament's authority to invade Ukraine.

Asked about rumors some US military units had been on alert over turmoil in the Crimean peninsula, the official said the US focus was on diplomatic options. There was no change in the US military's stance, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"I deplore today's decision by Russia on the use of armed forces in Ukraine. This is an unwarranted escalation of tensions. I therefore call upon the Russian Federation not to dispatch such troops, but to promote its views through peaceful means. The unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected at all times and by all sides. Any violation of these principles is unacceptable. More than ever, restraint and sense of responsibility are needed."

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton