Even within Crimea 's pro-Russia majority , opinions about the legality of seceding are split . Crimeans voted overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine , its government said . Russia says Ukraine 's political upheaval negated constitution , so population free to vote . The United States and its European allies say the vote was not legitimate . The standoff resembles Cold War tensions .
Crimeans voted overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine , its government said . Russia says Ukraine 's political upheaval negated constitution , so population free to vote . The United States and its European allies say the vote was not legitimate . The standoff resembles Cold War tensions .