Our top story this morning...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognized Crimea as a sovereign state... a pre-cursor to its annexation, which the West and Ukraine says is illegal.
Earlier, the United States and the European Union had imposed sanctions on several officials from Russia and Ukraine.
This all follows Sunday's referendum, in which almost all Crimeans voted in favor becoming a part of Russia.
Connie Lee reports. Another step has been taken toward the full annexation of Crimea--
Russian President Vladimir Putin... on Monday... recognized the Republic of Crimea... as "sovereign" and "independent."
The Executive Order... posted on the Kremlin's website... came just hours after the European Union and the U.S. imposed sanctions and asset freezes against Russian and Ukrainian officials.
"...We are imposing sanctions on specific individuals responsible for undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and government of Ukraine."
The sanctions, which include travel bans... were in retaliation for Sunday's referendum vote in Crimea... which was deemed illegal by Western leaders.
In the referendum,... 97-percent of the voters approved of leaving Ukraine, and joining Russia.
The results brought joy to Russians, not only in Crimea... but also in Moscow.
"It's legal. I support Putin. I'm for reuniting Russian borders and the reunion of the Russian people."
Up to 60-percent of the residents in Crimea are Russian... but ethnic Tatars, who make up more than 10-percent of Crimea's population.... are concerned about inter-ethnic conflict.
"Of course we are afraid, but what can we do? Certainly not run away anywhere. No, we don't have that in our minds. I can't even think about it."
The Crimean parliament... has declared all Ukrainian state property on the peninsula as property of the Crimean Republic... and its lawmakers are in Moscow to discuss the annexation by Russia.
Connie Lee, Arirang News.
