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.
Russia deputy PM mocks Western sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin's decree recognising Crimea as a "sovereign and independent country" has triggered the toughest Western sanctions against Russia since the Cold War.
But one of the top Russian officials hit by sanctions mocked US President Barack Obama.
"Comrade Obama, what should those who have neither accounts nor property abroad do? Have you not thought about it?" Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin tweeted. "I think the decree of the President of the United States was written by some joker."
Moscow considers the vote legitimate and Mr Putin plans to address both houses of parliament tomorrow on the Crimean situation.
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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.