Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree which recognises Crimea as a sovereign and independent state. <br /><br />The Kremlin said the order took effect immediate. <br /><br />The move by Putin is seen as a first step towards integrating Crimea into the Russian Federation after Sunday’s overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote in the peninsula to join. <br /><br />23.00 Crimea parliament <br /><br />32.00 Inside parliament <br /><br />52.00 Out.
