Vladimir Putin to push ahead with annexation of Crimea
Russian president Vladimir Putin has told his parliament of Crimea's application to join Russia, and is set to be moving forward with annexing Crimea into Russia.
Crimea poll a 'mockery of proper democratic practice'
Britain has rejected Crimea's referendum vote to breakaway from the Ukraine and join Russia, denouncing it as a "mockery of proper democratic practice".
Arriving in Brussels for talks tomorrow with EU foreign ministers, Foreign Secretary William Hague said Russia must now face "economic and political consequences" for its violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He added:
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Russia defiant in face of Western sanctions
Putin's decree recognising Crimea as a 'sovereign country' has triggered the toughest sanctions against Russia since the Cold War.
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Crimea 'votes to rejoin Russia' after controversial poll
With over half of the votes counted, over 95% of people in Crimea have voted to become part of Russia, election officials have said.
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The West's response to Crimea situation depends on Putin
At some point the West's warnings will have to become deeds, part of the problem is they don't know which Putin they're dealing with.