`` That move will likely mean Western nations will ratchet up the level of sanctions , Pifer said . Crimeans voted overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine , its leaders said . Comment: 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 leaders said . Comment: The United States and its European allies say the vote was not legitimate . The standoff resembles Cold War tensions .