Russians rally in Moscow to support annexation of Crimea
- 10 years ago
Hundreds gather in Moscow to show their support for the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine.
Activists there called for both peace and the annexation of the southern Crimean territory.
One protester said Ukraine's new government was illegitimate.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russia) PROTESTER, ALEXEI MYAGKOV, SAYING:
"Terrorists took over power in Kiev and ousted the legitimate president. The president is on the run, and I think the country is ruled by terrorists."
Protesters also showed their support for President Vladimir Putin.
When Ukraine impeached President Viktor Yanukovich, Putin asked parliament to have troops ready to defend ethnic Russians in the mainly Russian-speaking Crimea.
Crimea has a referendum this week on whether it will join Russia.
Activists there called for both peace and the annexation of the southern Crimean territory.
One protester said Ukraine's new government was illegitimate.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russia) PROTESTER, ALEXEI MYAGKOV, SAYING:
"Terrorists took over power in Kiev and ousted the legitimate president. The president is on the run, and I think the country is ruled by terrorists."
Protesters also showed their support for President Vladimir Putin.
When Ukraine impeached President Viktor Yanukovich, Putin asked parliament to have troops ready to defend ethnic Russians in the mainly Russian-speaking Crimea.
Crimea has a referendum this week on whether it will join Russia.