Putin Says Crimea Vote 'Quite Convincing'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has told a joint session of parliament in Moscow that Crimea's breakaway vote was "quite convincing".

To a clapping crowd, he pointed out that 82% of Crimea residents turned out for Sunday's referendum, and more than 96% of them voted to join Russia.

His speech coincided with a concert and mass rally, celebrating ties between Russia and Crimea, in the city's Red Square.

Western leaders said Crimea's vote was illegal and have refused to recognise its new status.

The EU and US have imposed travel bans and asset freezes on senior Moscow officials, and British Prime Minister David Cameron said "there will be further consequences" if Russia takes further action to destabilise Ukraine.

As tensions continue to grow, one of Ukraine's top politicians told Sky News his country is ready to fight if Russian soldiers cross the border from Crimea into mainland Ukraine.

Serhiy Taruta, governor of the eastern city of Donetsk, warned: "We're going to have a war. Our people will take up arms and they will protect our country."

Earlier, Mr Putin approved a draft bill for Crimea's annexation.

Under the decree, which could be finalised as early as Friday, Crimea will ditch Ukraine's currency, the Hryvnia, and adopt the Russian Rouble within a month.

It is also due to move time zones - adopting Moscow time, which is two hours ahead of Kiev - on March 30.

The peninsular is also offering Crimean soldiers the chance to join the Russian army.

Ukraine has already called up 20,000 reserve troops and a further 20,000 from its newly-formed National Guard to protect the mainland against any Russian movement across its eastern border.

Huge tank traps have been placed at checkpoints and a 60-mile trench has been dug along the border as defensive preparations gather pace.

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