Contrary to expectations, security in Crimea has actually become more stable. As the far right calls for violence in social networks continue, Crimean locals give out sandwiches and tea, sing songs and pose for photos with self-defense forces.
While Ukraine is plunging deeper in turmoil, the tea and sandwich 'brigades' gather outside the local Rada headquarters in Simferopol.
Бутерброды и чай у Рады Крыма. Играют песни "Крым теперь с Россией будет, а фашистам он не по зубам" pic.twitter.com/aFAfkY3zsJ
— Lida Vasilevskaya (@Vasilevskaya_RT) March 2, 2014
Armed conflict seems to be the last thing on these locals' minds, as self-defense forces provide a welcome if not unexpected change.
The question of what's more dangerous in close combat - high heels or a machine gun - remains open.
The self-defense forces have taken on the role of celebrities as Simferopol braces for possible clashes with the far-right.
Can I take a photo with you? pic.twitter.com/qIV1dX9JRP
— Javier Pascual (@javierpascual) March 1, 2014
Youths walk the city with anti-war banners, keeping Simferopol's mixed identity alive.
"The time has come to give back my name. I am #Russia, not #Ukraine" (rhymes in Russian) #симферопольpic.twitter.com/YMFDySD4Au
— Фото из Симферополя (@InstaSimferopol) March 1, 2014
An elderly woman hangs a Russian flag in the window. Those have been increasingly popping up across town.
В окнах вывешиваем флаги России "Как же тебя прикрепить-то" #Симферопольpic.twitter.com/Xtim8QdqI4
— Lida Vasilevskaya (@Vasilevskaya_RT) March 2, 2014
And Lenin...?
Отряд самообороны у кабмина в Симферополе. Охраняют кабмин и памятник Ленину. "Будем стоять пока спокойно не станет" pic.twitter.com/pJBLtzuLbe
— Lida Vasilevskaya (@Vasilevskaya_RT) March 2, 2014
The old Soviet leader is fine, if the locals have anything to say about it!
"Нашего Ленина сносить не дадим" #Симферополь #внезапноpic.twitter.com/ZTZObAa6mz
— Lida Vasilevskaya (@Vasilevskaya_RT) March 2, 2014