18/03/2014 16:40
Putin signs Crimea reunification treaty
Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Crimea signed a treaty Tuesday reunifying Crimea with Russia, RIA Novosti reported.
The Russian parliament is expected to ratify the treaty later on Tuesday.
Putin signed a decree Monday recognizing Crimea as an independent state, following a referendum Sunday that saw voters on the peninsula overwhelmingly support secession and reunification with Russia.
Crimea’s leadership has refused to recognize as legitimate the new government in Ukraine that came to power following the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych last month, instead declaring independence and seeking reunification with Russia.