Russia's leadership has made the latest move in connection with the potential return of the Black Sea region of Crimea to Russia.
CRI's Su Yi with the latest developments.
Reporter: Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to recognize Crimea as a sovereign and independent state.
The move follows an official declaration of Crimean independence from Ukraine following a Sunday referendum, which has seen nearly 97-percent vote in-favor of seceding.
The Crimean parliament has since sent a formal request to Moscow to join the Russian Federation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to address the Russian Federal Assembly late
