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This R&D covers Russia’s annexation of Crimea.  95% of Crimeans voted on Sunday to join the Russian Federation and Ukraine is preparing to withdraw is military forces from the area.  The West has condemned Russia’s recent actions and they have placed sanctions on Crimean politicians and Russian government officials who have participated in the annexation controversy.  Western nations have also dubbed the referendum illegitimate due to the presence of Russian forces in Crimea during the vote.  Russia contends that their interference in Crimea was meant to protect its Russian-speaking population and that the vote is a fair expression of self-determination by the Crimean people.