Crimea is now a part of the Russian Federation, declares a treaty signed Tuesday by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The treaty was signed with Crimean leaders against the wishes of the West, which claims Crimean secession from the Ukraine, along with the referendum that voted for it, goes against international law.
Putin has heavily criticized the U.S. and Europe for condemning his actions when they did the same in the past, Reuters reported. The West supported Kosovo's desire for independence from Serbia. But now they are against the same thing for the Crimean peninsula.
"You cannot call the same thing black today and white tomorrow," Putin said during a speech in the Kremlin to parliament. Western affiliates "crossed the line" over Ukraine and acted "irresponsibly."
The current Ukrainian government was installed after former President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted in February following months of protests calling for democracy. Putin, who Yanukovych supported, was against the government change, and sent Russian troops into Crimea to protect the area's significant ethnic Russian population.
Putin said Tuesday that Ukraine's current leaders stole power and are "neo-Nazis, Russophobes and anti-Semites." The referendum shows the majority of Crimeans wish to be a part of Russia again after becoming a part of the Ukraine 60 years ago, Reuters reported.
"In the hearts and minds of people, Crimea has always been and remains an inseparable part of Russia," Putin said.
One concern behind Russia taking back Crimea is that Russia will move to annex other Ukrainian territories. Putin laid those concerns to rest.
"Don't believe those who try to frighten you with Russia and who scream that other regions will follow after Crimea," Putin said according to Reuters. "We do not want a partition of Ukraine. We do not need this."
