Putin Gives ‘Defiant’ Speech in Support of Crimean Annexation

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a defiant speech in front of the Russian political elite on Tuesday as he argued for the annexation of Crimea in the face of international condemnation.

Speaking at the Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin claimed Crimea was an “inseparable part” of the Russian Federation. “Crimea has always been an integral part of Russia in the hearts and minds of people,” Putin said. “That faith has been preserved and passed on from generation to generation.”

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“In our hearts we know Crimea has always been an inalienable part of Russia," Putin said to a joint session of parliament in Moscow Tuesday.

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 18, 2014

Defiant #Putin says Crimea will have 3 languages Russian Ukrainian Crimean claims vote was legal as Biden arrives Warsaw to reassure NATO

— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) March 18, 2014

The speech comes less than a day after the United States issued sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian officials in response to what western powers called an illegitimate referendum on Crimean succession from Ukraine.

Putin went on to denounce the protests in Kiev that led to the overthrow of former President Viktor Yanukovych as the work of radicals and neo-Nazis:

Impassioned, patriotic Putin speech. says radicals in Ukraine threatened ethnic cleansing against Russian citizens

— Laura Rozen (@lrozen) March 18, 2014

[h/t New York Times]

[image via EPA/VLADIMIR RODIONOV/RIA NOVOSTI]

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