Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree recognizing Crimea as a sovereign state.
The move comes after the Ukrainian region declared itself independent and applied to join Russia following a weekend referendum.
According to news24, the decree posted on the Kremlin's website appeared to be a first step towards integrating Crimea as a part of the Russian Federation.
The decree said Moscow recognition of Crimea as independent is based on 'the will of the people of Crimea,' the report added.