MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. Crimea and Sevastopol are an integral part of Russia today, President Vladimir Putin said.

"March 16, 2014, was a really crucial milestone for the Crimeans and Sevastopol residents as it was the day when they made a decisive choice to be with Russia forever. Today, Crimea and Sevastopol are an integral part of Russia," Putin pointed out in an address to the readers of the book titled "Crimea: Pages of History From Ancient Times to the Present Day."

The president added that the two regions contributed a lot to strengthening national unity and security.