Crimean referendum 'legitimate', Putin tells Merkel

Vladimir Putin has told Angela Merkel an upcoming referendum in Crimea is in accordance with international law.

In a phone call between the two leaders, Putin said the actions of the Crimean parliament were aimed at protecting the legitimate interests of the population in the peninsula.

A statement from the Kremlin added that, while Putin and Merkel differed in their view on the situation in Ukraine, they were agreed that a de-escalation of tensions should be achieved as soon as possible.