Diplomatic tensions between Russia and the West have hit new highs with the first Ukrainian soldier reportedly being shot dead just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty to claim Crimea as Russian territory.
The United States says the annexation will not be recognized.
Connie Lee has more.
In Moscow.... the crowds chanted "Russia, "Russia"...
and in Crimea... cheers and applause filled the streets...
after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty on Tuesday in front of parliament... to make Crimea part of Russia.


"It is such a momentous day today. We want to say that we are very proud of our president, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin..."

Putin says Russia must now act as Ukraine's new government...
and in front of crowds late Tuesday... in Moscow's Red Square... he said Crimea has finally returned to its "home port" to Russia.


"We have done a lot together, but we will do much more. We will need to solve many tasks, but I know, I'm confident that we will overcome everything, resolve everything because we are together. Glory to Russia "

In Ukraine's capital, Kiev... residents are angry over Putin's latest actions.


"I want him [Vladimir Putin] to stop mocking our people. I want him to stay in Russia and govern them [the Russians] and not touch our people and not torture Ukraine."

Tensions heightened into violence Tuesday... when masked gunmen killed one
Ukrainian troop.... injured another and arrested some other Ukrainian officials... stationed in Crimea.
The Ukrainian military has now been ordered to use weapons "to protect and preserve the life" of Ukrainian soldiers.

Meanwhile... Western leaders, including those in the U.S. and Germany have condemned Putin's actions...

"We would not recognize this attempted annexation."

but the Russian president is not showing any signs of backing down.
Connie Lee, Arirang News.

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