Stable, independent Ukraine key to Europe security: NATO

Brussels: A sovereign, independent and stable Ukraine is essential to security in Europe and beyond, NATO said today as tensions between pro- and anti-Russian factions stoked fears the country could break apart.

Such a Ukraine, "firmly committed to democracy and the rule of law, is key to Euro-Atlantic security," NATO said in a statement agreed by member state defence ministers. In line with current agreements with Kiev, "NATO allies will continue to support Ukrainian sovereignty and independence, territorial integrity, democratic development, and the principle of inviolability of frontiers, as key factors of stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe and on the continent as a whole." The statement came amid growing concern about Ukraine`s future after the ouster of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Brawls broke out today in Crimea between demonstrators wanting to stick with Kiev and opponents backing closer links with former Cold War master Russia. Crimea is home to Russia`s Black Sea fleet and tensions mounted further after President Vladimir Putin ordered military preparedness checks in western Russia. The drill -- similar to one last year in the east -- involves army, navy and airforce troops based in the western military district, a vast territory bordering Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic states, Finland and the Arctic. Interim leaders in Kiev were meanwhile preparing to name a new government which would take the country closer to the west after months of bloody unrest sparked when Yanukovych ditched an EU association accord under pressure from Moscow.