Putin Signs Law on Crimea's Annexation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the law ratifying the incorporation of Crimea into the Russian Federation.

Under the newly-approved legislation, Crimea and its city of Sevastopol (which formally was not part of the autonomous region when it was in Ukraine) are joining the federation as its "new subjects". Out of their territories, the Federal District of Crimea is to be constituted.

Oleg Belaventsev, who was formerly head of a company subordinated to the Defense Ministry, will be Putin's representative in the new district.

The ceremony, which was staged at the Kremlin in Moscow, was aired live on TV channel Russia 24.

On Sunday, 96% of Crimea's population voted in favour of breaking away from Ukraine and joining Russia.

The move was condemned and declared illegal by Ukraine, the EU, and the US. The West has imposed sanctions on Russian and Crimean officials, without ruling the possibility of adopting economic measures in case of escalation.