MOSCOW, March 1. /TASS/. The Ukrainian authorities plan to investigate the conditions under which NBC journalists filmed a report in Crimea, according to Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleg Nikolenko.
He noted that foreigners visiting Crimea may be barred from entering Ukrainian territory. "Ukraine's competent officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the NBC journalist's illegal visit to Crimea. A decision on next steps will be taken based on the results of the investigation" he wrote on Facebook (outlawed in Russia, owned by Meta Platforms, Inc. recognized as extremist in Russia).
According to a report aired by NBC on Tuesday, residents of Crimea said they were ready to defend the peninsula in case of a Ukrainian attack. NBC noted that the reporters arrived in Crimea by train via the Kerch Bridge, which has been fully restored. The reporters were able to move across Crimea and talk to people freely.
Following Ukraine's coup d'etat in 2014, Crimean authorities and the city of Sevastopol conducted a referendum on reconciliation with Russia. Over 80% of eligible voters cast ballots, with 96% of all voters supporting the reconciliation. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty on the accession of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia on March 18, 2014 and lawmakers approved the treaty on March 21. Kiev has refused to acknowledge Crimea as a part of Russia.