Maia Mikhaluk : Ukraine 's referendum to join Russia was not democratic . ` There are certainly some people who have been brainwashed by Russian TV channels ( Ukrainian 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 . ` The referendum took place under the guns of Russian troops , '' says the Russian resident . Mikhaluk says there are already problems with banks and credit cards . She has been documenting events in her country since then .
Maia Mikhaluk : Ukraine 's referendum to join Russia was not democratic . ` ` The referendum took place under the guns of Russian troops , '' says the Russian resident . Mikhaluk says there are already problems with banks and credit cards . She has been documenting events in her country since then .