On the snowy streets of Moscow, locals are welcoming a Crimea referendum that will determine whether the Ukrainian peninsula becomes a part of Russia.<br /> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MOSCOW RESIDENT, NIKOLAI GONCHAROV, SAYING:<br /> <br />"I believe this is the most democratic procedure when citizens, Crimean residents, can express their will. I think it will kick start processes in the whole region. If anybody is talking about democracy, then this is democracy in action."<br /> <br />The vote, which took place Sunday, comes after pro-Russian forces took control of Crimea, triggering the worst East-West confrontation since the Cold War.<br /> <br />Most people here say they back President Vladimir Putin's actions.<br /> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MOSCOW RESIDENT, ANTON, SAYING:<br /> <br />"I think it is right. People should make their choice and defend their point of view whether to join Russia or not. I believe that our brotherly Ukraine should be near us, we should not quarrel because of some small mistakes."
