Russian official: Proud to be sanctioned By America

 

Washington said its sanctions targeted Russian officials and lawmakers, as well as Crimea-based separatist leaders, with financial sanctions for undermining "democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine."

 Obama's order freezes any assets in the United States and bans travel for the 11 people named.

 Among those sanctioned were ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and aides to Putin.

But one of the Putin aides named in the U.S. sanctions called it "a great honor" to be singled out for American punishment.

"I consider the decision of the Washington Administration as a recognition of my service to Russia," Vladislav Surkov told Russian news outlet MK.

Diplomatically, Sunday's referendum has put the United States and Russia on the kind of collision course not seen since the Cold War. 

Economically, it's unclear how much such a coupling will cost Russia. And politically, it's divided Crimeans, some of whom think it will bring better pay and some who see this as a Kremlin land grab.

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that recognizes the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Crimea, says a statement on Russia's Kremlin website. The Russian parliament is expected to vote on whether to annex the breakaway territory in the coming days.

Turchynov said Ukraine was willing to hold talks with Russia, "but we will never accept the annexing of our territory."