"Crimea has always been and remains an inalienable part of Russia" and the status of part of Ukraine was "a historic injustice". This was said by Russian President Vladimir Putin who began his speech to the Duma, asking for applause for Crimea, which the deputies and senators present transformed into an ovation.
Putin reiterated that Sunday's referendum in Crimea was held "in full compliance with democratic procedures and international law". "Crimea - he said - has a vital and historical importance for all of us". The transfer of Crimea from Russia to Ukraine, decided by Khrushchev in 1954, "violated Soviet law".
