Russian President Vladimir Putin took the initial steps to annex Russia during an address to both houses of Russia's parliament on Tuesday morning. They were his first remarks following Sunday's referendum, during which about 95% of Crimeans voted to join Russia.
Putin said Crimea always was — and is — an "inseparable" part of Russia. He approved a draft bill for Crimea's annexation, telling the Federal Assembly the referendum was "democratic and legal." He added that Crimea must be under Russian sovereignty, comparing the two regions joining to the reunion of West Germany with East Germany.
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The crowd broke into a standing ovation as Putin said the absolute majority of Russians and Crimeans support the annexation. Putin defended the move by explaining Crimea's history and its cultural, religious and spiritual ties connect it with Russia. Pro-Russian forces have controlled Crimea since late February.
Watching #Putin speech on intent to annex #Crimea in Circus Cafe #Simferopol. Crowd in Lenin Sq chanting "Russia!" pic.twitter.com/QNXpAvrJ6y
— David M. Herszenhorn (@herszenhorn) March 18, 2014
Both the United States and the European Union have declared the referendum illegitimate and refused to recognize Crimea's bid to become part of Russia. U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the results of Sunday's snap election during prepared remarks on Monday, and Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Poland on Tuesday on a trip designed to show the firm stance of the U.S. against Russia's intervention in Ukraine.
During his address, Putin said the West acted irresponsibly in Ukraine and didn't take the interests of millions of Russians living there into account.
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