MOSCOW, October 16 (RIA Novosti) – The head of Crimea said Thursday that he still hoped the Western countries would eventually recognize the republic that chose to secede from Ukraine and rejoin Russia in March.
“I would not say for sure that Crimea would never be recognized by the West. It is quite possible that when the current authorities in the European countries are reelected, it will become clear that it is meaningless to fight with Russia by using sanctions,” Sergei Aksyonov who has recently been appointed Crimea’s formal head told journalists.
“Russia will manage without them [European countries] and Crimea too. We are focusing efforts on our development inside the country. And as soon as both Europe and the United States understand that, the situation will improve,” Aksyonov added.
Following the February coup in Ukraine, the residents of the Crimea Republic spoke against the newly established government and called for a referendum on the region's status. On March 16, Crimea chose to secede from Ukraine and subsequently became part of Russia.
The West has refused to recognize the results of the vote, calling it illegal. Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech following the referendum stressed that it was held in full compliance with democratic procedures and rules of international law.
