A Russian newspaper has claimed that the Kremlin was presented with a plan to annex Crimea and eastern Ukraine before the overthrow of President Viktor Yanokovich.<br /><br /> Novaya Gazeta said a document was presented to senior officials up to three weeks before the pro-Russian leader of Ukraine fled Kiev on February 21.<br /><br /> The paper claims the document had concluded that Yanokovich’s presidency was politically bankrupt and his downfall imminent.<br /><br /> It went on to propose creating conditions to hold referendums in Crimea and Russian speaking Donbass related to self determination and possible reunification with Russia.<br /><br /> The Kremlin has described the claims as “nonsense”.<br /><br /> Russia annexed Crime on March 21 and the following month pro-Russian separatists rose up in eastern Ukraine.
