Crimea War: EU foreign ministers and the US unveil sanctions as Ukraine recalls ambassador

SIMFEROPOL  – The European Union and the United States on Monday sanctioned top Russians and Ukrainians deemed responsible for a breakaway vote in Crimea that has fanned the worst East-West standoff since the Cold War.

Official results from Sunday’s referendum showed 96.77 percent of voters in the mostly Russian-speaking region of Ukraine had opted for Kremlin rule in what would be the most radical redrawing of the map of Europe since Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia.

Voting has commence on Crimea referendum; see the options !

Referendum options:



1. Are you in favour of the reunification of Crimea with Russia as a part of the Russian Federation?


2. Are you in favour of restoring the 1992 Constitution and the status of Crimea as a part of Ukraine?


Returning to the 1992 constitution would give Crimea's government sweeping powers to make its own laws and control its own governance, while technically remaining part of Ukraine.


It has been seen as a step towards Crimea's total independence.

Crimea referendum to join Russia

Crimea votes Sunday in a referendum to break away and join Russia.


International community has described the process as illegitimate.


Here are some relevant information about the vote:


99 percent of the polling stations for Sunday's vote are ready. Polls are open from 8am-8pm local time (06 GMT- 18 GMT)

Crimea Updates: Russian Parliament welcomes Crimea Delegations, Backing a Controversial Vote to Secede from Ukraine

Russia Federation has declared its total support for Ukraine's breakaway movement in Crimea.

Moscow  parliament is welcoming a delegation from the autonomous republic to Moscow and backing its vote to secede from Ukraine.

Putin's government says that despite deep differences with the West on the crisis, it hopes common ground will be found to avoid a new Cold War.

Why should Russia tolerate NATO at its borders - Vladimir Golstein

Russia is not a superpower. Its population is shrinking, and so is its military, political, and economic might. Yes, Russians have their oil money to organise Olympics or buy fancy flats in London, but Russia itself is a far cry from the big nasty "bear" that was invading Afghanistan, when I emigrated from this evil colossus in search of a political freedom so lacking at home. Yet, this cherished western freedom is being threatened by a stifling hypocrisy.

Crimea Updates: Crimea referendum would violate international law - Obama

[AFP] United State President Barack Obama has warned that a referendum in Crimea on joining Russia would violate Ukraine's constitution and international law.

Obama spoke hours after the United States imposed visa bans on certain senior Russian officials and moved towards wider sanctions against individuals and entities in Moscow, to punish the Kremlin's incursion into Ukraine.