From Yanukovych's Dacha to Ukraine Training Base

A soldier of Ukrainian self-defense battalion "Azov," stands guard at their headquarters on the outskirts of the southern coastal town of Mariupol Aug. 31, 2014.



The battalion's headquarters used to be the summer residence of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, who was ousted following mass protests in Kiev in February last year.

Volunteers attend a training session at the base of Ukrainian self-defense battalion "Azov" in the southern coastal town of Mariupol September 3, 2014.

Volunteers stand in formation before a training session.

A soldier of Ukrainian self-defense battalion "Azov" stands beside a vehicle carrying weapons before a training session for volunteers.

Volunteers attend a training session.

A soldier of Ukrainian self-defense battalion "Azov" stands guard at their base.