On the snowy streets of Moscow, locals are welcoming a Crimea referendum that will determine whether the Ukrainian peninsula becomes a part of Russia.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MOSCOW RESIDENT, NIKOLAI GONCHAROV, SAYING:
"I believe this is the most democratic procedure when citizens, Crimean residents, can express their will. I think it will kick start processes in the whole region. If anybody is talking about democracy, then this is democracy in action."
The vote, which took place Sunday, comes after pro-Russian forces took control of Crimea, triggering the worst East-West confrontation since the Cold War.
Most people here say they back President Vladimir Putin's actions.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MOSCOW RESIDENT, ANTON, SAYING:
"I think it is right. People should make their choice and defend their point of view whether to join Russia or not. I believe that our brotherly Ukraine should be near us, we should not quarrel because of some small mistakes."
