President Vladimir Putin has revealed the moment he says he gave the secret order for Russia's annexation of Crimea and described how Russian troops were ready to fight to rescue Ukraine's deposed, pro-Moscow president.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
The Guardian: Vladimir Putin describes secret meeting when Russia decided to seize Crimea
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi following their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 5, 2015.
