Vladimir putin has cleared the way for crimea to join russia. They have warned they will not allow it. Tensions have hit the highest level since the cold war. Ryan chilcote joins us from brussels. What is the process for them to join russia . It is up to the russians to work out. For all intents and purposes, it will be part of russia. Putin sign those documents earlier in the day. Which is now in russia, is pretty significant. They are already the Worlds Largest country. This is his first expansion of territory since the collapse of the soviet union. Should say First Official expansion. As you pointed out, the u. S. And european leaders were just meeting. Certainly will not put crimea on any map of russia. The russians are there and they are in control. They will now try to integrate it into their country. Do you not count Southeast Asia . Two county area they occupied in georgia . The difference is there are areas where russia has va facto control, in moldo and georgia. The differenc