Despite threats of sanctions from the U.S., Russian officials have said they support a recently-passed measure that will allow the people of Crimea to vote on whether or not they will become part of Russia. Parliament leaders in the autonomous region—which has been considered part of Ukraine—agreed that the vote would be held on March 16. Ukrainian and Western officials said that the decision was made by an illegitimate legislator who took power by force. They also object to the massive Russian military occupation in the region. The Russians, however, say that they do not recognize the new, pro-Western government in Kiev, which took power following the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych …
