Russian premier in Crimea to offer federal aid

Associated Press

SIMFEROPOL, Crimea (AP) — Russia's prime minister is visiting Crimea to consider priorities for its economic development following the Russian takeover.

Dmitry Medvedev is leading a delegation of Cabinet ministers and is chairing a meeting Monday to discuss priorities for federal assistance to the region, which Russia annexed from Ukraine earlier this month.

The annexation followed a hastily called referendum held just two weeks after Russian forces had overtaken the Black Sea region, in which an overwhelming majority of voters backed joining Russia.

Ukraine and the West have rejected the vote.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, part of Medvedev's retinue, tweeted a photo of himself upon arrival in Crimea, with the words "Crimea is ours, and that's that."