MOSCOW, March 17, /ITAR-TASS/. President Vladimir Putin on Monday, March 17, signed a degree recognising the Republic of Crimea as a sovereign and independent state.

“1. Considering the will of the peoples of Crimea expressed at the all-Crimea referendum on March 16, 2014, I hereby decree that the Republic of Crimea, where the city of Sevastopol has a special status, be recognised as a sovereign and independent state,” the decree said.

The decree entered into force upon signature, the presidential press service said.

Putin will address the Federal Assembly (Russian parliament) at 15:00 Moscow time on March 18 in connection with Crimea’s and Sevastopol’s appeals for accession to Russia.

At an extraordinary session on March 17, the Crimean parliament adopted a resolution on the independence of Crimea. It was supported by 85 of 100 deputies present. It also asked Russia to admit Crimea as its new constituent member.