Tweet as it happened from ABC News Marquardt:
21m
ABC team safely off Belbek base. My Russian’s rusty but remembered enough to convince special forces I didn’t have a card on me.
36m
Russia forces at Belbek base searching every media team for memory cards, confiscating them. Want no traces of this dramatic afternoon.
Alexander Marquardt 47m
Media being escorted by Russians off Belbek base through hole in outer wall knocked down by Russian special forces.
Alexander Marquardt 1h
Media corralled by Russia forces at Belbek. All waiting to leave at front gate. Angrily telling us not to film. They want to finish this off
Alexander Marquardt 1h
Situation at Belbek calmer, Ukrainians milling around. Russian special forces have encircled but weapons down.
Alexander Marquardt 1h
Commander at Belbek just gave emotional speech to troops, we are strong in spirit. Followed by anthem. Seems to be winding down.
Alexander Marquardt 1h
Livestream cam at Belbek base ripped down by #Russia forces.
Alexander Marquardt 1h
Col Yuli Mamchur says he doesn’t know who will control Belbek base at end of day, ordered men not to shoot.
Marquardt 1h
Standoff between Russians and Ukrainians at Belbek. Russians on base, warning shots, stun grenades. Ukrainians mostly unarmed, shouting.
Alexander Marquardt 1h
Belbek base being stormed
Alexander Marquardt 1h
Siren sounded at Belbek base still in #Ukraine hands. Tension growing. Russia forces growing outside.
I believe these folks were told to leave by the present Ukrainian government.