Putin calls up his best pal to thank him for the summer sanctions.
Read more...Russia allows entrance of 100 international observers as special forces capture Crimean airbase.
Read more...A Ukrainian soldier stands guard during a field training exercise at Rapid Trident 2012 in Yavoriv. (Flickr/U.S. Army Europe)
Putin declares Crimea part of the Russian Federation after "free expression" of will.
Read more...Putin is set to become the nation's president yet again.
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