(VOVworld) - The Russian said the actions of the Crimean autonomous government follow international laws and are intended to protect the Crimean people’s legal interests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: AFP)

President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron on Sunday. Crimea has scheduled a referendum on joining Russia for next Sunday. The referendum follows the Crimean Parliament’s approval of a resolution to merge Crimea with Russia.