Inappropriate - that's how NATO's chief described President Vladimir Putin's first public appearance in Crimea since the Peninsula was absorbed by Russian.
His controversial appearance came as Ukraine suffered one of the bloodiest days since the crisis began.
As many as 21 were killed In the southeastern port of Mariupol, as clashes raged between pro-Russian gunmen and Ukrainian security forces.
Despite an earlier call from Mr Putin to postpone a referendum on independence in eastern Ukraine, the vote is likely to go ahead on Sunday.
For the latest developments Kevin McAleese spoke to Journalist Gulliver Cragg in the Ukrainian capital....
IN: it's clearly something
OUT:...of those regions
DUR:3:41
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0509putin-gc-generic.mp3