Ukrainian admiral fired, faces treason probe

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — A Ukrainian security official says the head of the country's Black Sea fleet has been dismissed and faces a treason investigation after declaring allegiance to the pro-Russian government of the Crimea region.

Deputy National Security Council Secretary Viktoria Siumar told journalists at a briefing that Adm. Denis Berezovsky had been fired and replaced by another officer. She said he had offered no resistance when his headquarters was surrounded and then transferred his allegiance to the regional parliament in Crimea. The parliament has elected a pro-Russian leader who says he does not recognize the newly elected central government.

Siumar said his headquarters was surrounded by pro-Russian forces.