SIMFEROPOL, March 15, 23:52 /ITAR-TASS/. Dual currency circulation of the Russian rouble and the Ukrainian hryvnia may be introduced in Crimea (autonomy within Ukraine) for a transitional period already next week, March 18 or 19, if the decision is made to join Russia, Crimean Prime Minister Sergei Aksyonov said on Saturday, March 15.

The referendum to be held in Crimea on March 16 will have to decide whether its residents want to join Russia to stay within Ukraine.

Aksyonov also said that residents of Crimea would be able to keep their Ukrainian passports if they acquire Russian citizenship upon accession to Russia.

“Dual citizenship is not prohibited in Russia,” he said.