Armed men have seized the regional government building and parliament in Crimea, according to Russian news agency Interfax.
It said local Tatar leader Refat Chubarov had written on Facebook: "I have been told that the buildings of parliament and the council of ministers have been occupied by armed men in uniforms that do not bear any recognisable insignia.
"They have not yet made any demands."
The parliament building has been seized in Simferopol Crimea is an autonomous republic in the south of Ukraine, around 500 miles from the capital Kiev.
While it is not immediately clear who is in control of the buildings, the Russian flag is flying over both buildings.
The men occupying the buildings are wearing black and orange ribbons - a Russian symbol of victory in World War Two.
They have also put up signs saying: "Crimea is Russian".
Around 100 police officers are said to be gathered in front of the parliament building.
The doors appear to have been blocked by wooden crates.
A witness reported hearing gunfire during the night.
The Russian flag is flying over the parliament On Wednesday there was a confrontation between pro-Russia separatists and ethnic Tatars, who support Ukraine's new leaders, in Simferopol, where the parliament building is located.
Sky's Alex Rossi says there is an enormous amount of anxiety in Crimea, amid signs of separatism.
The region, where the majority of the population are Russian speakers, has strong ties to Moscow.
Russia has questioned the legitimacy of the new Ukrainian authorities, and has pledged to defend the rights of its "compatriots".
It would react "uncompromisingly" if these were violated, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
President Vladimir Putin has put the military on alert for major exercises, and announced measures to tighten security at the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Crimea.
It came as Russia confirmed it will take part in talks on an International Monetary Fund (IMF) financial package for Ukraine, where the economic situation continues to worsen after months of unrest.
Debt-hit Ukraine has said it needs $35bn (£21bn) over the next two years to avoid bankruptcy.
Barricades have been erected by the gunmen The European Commission says Russia should be included in efforts to provide financial assistance.
"All I can say is that we will take part in discussions (at the IMF), there is no talk of standing aside," said Andrei Bokarev, head of the finance ministry's international relations department.
Ukraine has also seen continuous devaluation of its currency amid the political upheaval, which led to President Viktor Yanukovych being toppled.
He is now a fugitive, wanted in connection with the deaths of around 100 people during the recent violence.
Ukraine's new government is expected to be formally approved by parliament on Thursday, and faces the hugely complex task of restoring stability in the country.
More follows...
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