Washington (CNN) -- A March 16 referendum on whether the Crimea Peninsula should rejoin Russia has become the focus of the Ukraine crisis. Like nearly every aspect of the conflict, the vote planned by Crimea's regional parliament evokes widely differing interpretations of its legitimacy and importance. Here are some of the biggest questions about the issue, with a look at how key players are weighing in: 1) What is the Crimean referendum? Voters in the autonomous Ukrainian region of about 2 million people will choose between remaining part of the former Soviet territory or becoming part of neighboring Russia.
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Russia backs a Crimea-only vote about joining it or staying with Ukraine
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The United States and its European allies say such a referendum is illegal
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To Russia, the ousting of the elected Ukraine government was illegal
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At issue is whether constitutional authority exists in Ukraine
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Under that agreement, @placeholder will elect a new government on May 25 for the entire country, including Crimea.
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Under that agreement, Ukraine will elect a new government on May 25 for the entire country, including @placeholder.
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"They got @placeholder, but they've scared off Ukraine," he said.
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"They got Crimea, but they've scared off @placeholder," he said.
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"And, most importantly, the people of @placeholder are now deeply suspicious of Russia.