Putin Signs Crimea Reunification Treaty

MOSCOW, March 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Crimea signed a treaty Tuesday reunifying Crimea with Russia.

The Russian parliament is expected to ratify the treaty later on Tuesday. Putin signed a decree Monday recognizing Crimea as an independent state, following a referendum Sunday that saw voters on the peninsula overwhelmingly support secession and reunification with Russia, Kazinform has learnt from RIA Novosti. Crimea's leadership has refused to recognize as legitimate the new government in Ukraine that came to power following the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych last month, instead declaring independence and seeking reunification with Russia.