Ukraine crisis escalates as US, Europe hit Russians with sanctions
Russian soldiers march towards residential buildings near the Ukrainian marine military base at Perevalnoye in Crimea. Approximately 1000 Ukrainian marines are trapped inside the base. Photo: Kate Geraghty
Washington: The international crisis over Ukraine escalated sharply as the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on senior Russian political and military figures and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognising the Ukrainian region of Crimea as an independent state.
Both actions were taken in response to Sunday's referendum in Crimea, where a reported 97 per cent of voters said they wanted to become part of Russia. The Obama administration said the vote was rigged and discounted it as illegal.
On Tuesday, Mr Putin informed the Russian parliament of Crimea's application to join the Russian Federation, the first step to annexation, a move that US and EU leaders have said would result in further punishment designed to cripple Russias economy.
People wave Russian flags in Lenin Square to celebrate the Crimean referendum in Simferopol on Sunday. Photo: Kate Geraghty
The last Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, who is reviled in Russia, endorsed Crimea's move, telling Interfax that its independence "should be welcomed and not met with the announcement of sanctions"
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"If until now Crimea had been joined to Ukraine because of Soviet laws that were taken without asking the people, then now the people have decided to rectify this error," Mr Gorbachev said.
Beyond Crimea, Mr Putin has defied Western demands that he stop military exercises on Ukraine's eastern and southern borders.
"Further provocations will achieve nothing except to further isolate Russia," US President Barack Obama said in a Monday morning statement announcing sanctions against seven Russian and four Ukrainian officials.
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Ukraine crisis escalates as US, Europe hit Russians with sanctions