In Crimea, there were scenes of celebration when President Putin signed the bill absorbing the peninsula into Russia. <br /><br />In Sevastapol, home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, crowds gathered to witness the historic moment. <br /><br />One woman in the city’s main square said: “We are proud that we have a president like Vladimir Putin. Smart, kind, responsible and we are happy Crimea will now be a part of Russia.”<br /><br />“It is a pleasure and honour to return to Russia. The happiest day for me will be when I receive a Russian passport,” said another woman. <br /><br />A massive 97 percent of Crimeans who took part in Sunday’s referendum apparently voted to break-away from Ukraine. But not everyone is overjoyed. In the regional capital Simferopol some voiced discontent at the split. <br /><br />‘‘It all looks pretty depressing given the rhetoric I’m hearing from Putin. I don’t think he will stop with Crimea, let alone Ukraine,’‘ said a student. <br /><br />“I think the push to restore the Soviet Union’s former territories is a step back into the past. I can understand those of an older generation responding enthusiastically to this call, but we are the ones, the younger generation, who will build the future,’‘ said another student. <br /><br />The treaty signed by Putin and Crimea’s leaders must now be approved by Russia’s constitutional court and then ratified by the Duma, Russia’s parliament. <br /><br />But, happy or not most accept that is now a formality to be finalised in the next few days.
