Ukraine's defence chief resigns as troops withdraw from Russian-controlled Crimea

In this photo taken on Monday, March 24, 2014, Oleh Lyashko, center, a lawmaker, who supported the protests that ousted Russian-leaning president Viktor Yanukovych and his government, shakes hands with a soldier while visiting Ukrainian troops near Crimea, annexed by Russia, to support the Ukrainian soldiers’ spirit. Ukraine's government ordered Ukrainian troops to pull back Monday from Crimea, ending days of wavering as Russian forces stormed and seized bases on the peninsula.(AP Photo/Osman Karimov)

KIEV, Ukraine - Lawmakers in Ukraine have accepted the resignation of the defence minister as thousands of troops withdraw from the Crimean Peninsula, now controlled by Russia.

In address to parliament, Igor Tenyukh said Tuesday that he rejected criticism that he had failed to issue clear instructions to troops, but that he reserved the right to step down. Lawmakers initially refused his resignation but then accepted it.

Authorities in Ukraine have come under criticism for their often-hesitant reaction to Russia's annexation of Crimea, which was formalized following a hastily organized referendum this month.


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