On March 16, 2014, Crimea held a referendum vote, asking the people of Crimea to decide whether they want to join Russia as a member of the Russian Federation, or to remain a part of the country of Ukraine. Turnout was over 80%, and over 96% of the voters in Crimea supported joining Russia. The referendum was observed by at least 30 observers from 23 countries, including many from Europe, who stated that the election was fair and turnout was high all over Crimea. The USA and Europe have refused to recognize the referendum claiming it violates the Ukraine Constitution and International Law, but ignore the illegality of the Ukraine coup and the fact that Crimea never chose to be a part of Ukraine but was forced after the breakup of the USSR. The democratic will of Crimea should be respected.



