Russia's Putin moves forward to annex Crimea

ANKARA

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that Russia would not back down from procedures to annex Ukraine’s Crimea region, despite Western sanctions and condemnations.

British Foreign Secretary of State William Hague tweeted Tuesday that he condemns the recognition of Crimea as a ‘sovereign state,’ which he said is "a clear attempt to pave the way for the annexation of part of Ukraine.’’

Putin approved a draft bill for Russia to annex Crimea followed by its independence referendum, in which 96.7 percent of the voters supported joining Russia on Sunday. 

The Russian leader also informed the parliament of Crimea's request to join Russia as part of a federal system, Russian News and Information Agency, RIA Novosti, said on Tuesday.

Putin is scheduled to address both houses of the Russian parliament at 15:00 local time on Tuesday.

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