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.
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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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