
The
scheduling of the vote for March 16 means that Crimea could be absorbed
into Russia in a matter of weeks. It also means the referendum could be
held while the region is under de facto Russian occupation—with no
opportunity for a free and fair campaign.
A
Russian move to absorb Crimea against the will of Ukraine's national
government would mark the first time since World War II that such a
maneuver had been attempted in Europe.
U.S. and European leaders said Thursday that such a referendum would violate the Ukrainian constitution and international law.
President
Barack Obama
spoke for an hour Thursday afternoon with Russian President
Vladimir Putin,
the White House said, stressing Russian violations of Ukrainian
sovereignty and urging Moscow to talk to the new government in Kiev. He
also urged Mr. Putin to ensure all Russian forces return to their bases
and to support new elections in May.
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