Moscow and Crimea Light Up Skies with Fireworks to Celebrate Reunion

Moscow and Crimea are celebrating their reunion, after the republic officially became part of Russia. The majority of Crimeans voted to leave Ukraine and join the Russian Federation last Sunday, and less than a week later, after all the legal procedures were wrapped up, Russia officially accepted the peninsula into its territoty. Crowds have gathered in the centre of Simferopol, Sevastopol and Moscow to join in the festivities.

Crimea, Sevastopol Officially Join Russia as Putin Signs Final Decree

Russia has finalized the legal process of taking Crimea under its sovereignty, as President Putin signed a law amending the Russian constitution to reflect the transition

THE GUARDIAN: Putin laughs off sanctions as he signs bills to transfer Crimea to Russia: President promises to open account at blacklisted bank as west signals intent to maintain pressure over Ukraine crisis » | Alex Luhn in Moscow | Friday, March 21, 2014