(CNN) -- Some people believed that one of the most democratic ways out of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine was to let people of Crimea decide their fates for themselves through a referendum. But there were a few serious flaws with that "democratic" approach. Sunday, March 16, was a day many Ukrainians waited for with concern and dread. Originally, the referendum was planned for May 25, then moved up to March 30 and then once again moved to March 16. Prime Minister Sergey Aksyonov and Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of Crimean Parliament, were eager to accomplish the task Russian President Vladimir Putin had given them. That task was to provide Russia with some kind of excuse for a military intervention that had in fact started on February 28, when there were reports of Russian soldiers occupying the Crimean Peninsula.
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Maia Mikhaluk: Crimea's referendum to join Russia was not democratic
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"The vote took place under the guns of Russian troops," says the Kiev resident
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Mikhaluk says there are already problems with banks and credit cards
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She has been documenting unrest in her country since February
Crimea
To no surprise, Aksyonov reported that more than 80% of people in Crimea voted in the referendum and 96% voted for @placeholder to join Russia.
Ukraine
Ukrainians
There are certainly some people who have been brainwashed by Russian TV channels (@placeholder stations have been cut off in Crimea) and do believe in lies that in Russia Crimea will be given all kinds of advantages and privileges.
Ukraine
Ukrainians
The announcement of results signaled to the people of @placeholder that a quiet waiting period of our conflict with Russia is probably over.
Vladimir Putin
@placeholder keeps talking about Ukraine as a failed state and the Ukrainian government as not legitimate, though it's recognized by all other countries in the world.
Ukraine
Ukrainians
Putin keeps talking about @placeholder as a failed state and the Ukrainian government as not legitimate, though it's recognized by all other countries in the world.