Tensions have hit new highs in the Crimean crisis... with reports that Ukrainian soldiers were shot dead.
This... just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty to claim Crimea as Russian territory.
Western leaders once again emphasized that the annexation will NOT be recognized... and just this afternoon, Seoul's foreign ministry also said it will not recognize Putin's latest actions.
Connie Lee has more.
In Moscow.... the crowds chanted "Russia, "Russia"...
and in Crimea... cheers and applause filled the streets...
after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty on Tuesday in front of parliament... to make Crimea part of Russia.


"It is such a momentous day today. We want to say that we are very proud of our president, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin..."

Putin says Russia must now act as Ukraine's new government...
and in front of crowds late Tuesday... in Moscow's Red Square... he said Crimea has finally returned to its "home port" to Russia.


"We have done a lot together, but we will do much more. We will need to solve many tasks, but I know, I'm confident that we will overcome everything, resolve everything because we are together. Glory to Russia "

A different scene in Ukraine's capital, Kiev-- residents there are angry over Putin's latest actions.


"I want him [Vladimir Putin] to stop mocking our people. I want him to stay in Russia and govern the Russians and not touch our people, and not torture Ukraine."

Tensions heightened into violence Tuesday... when masked gunmen killed two
Ukrainian troops... and injured at least two others.
The Ukrainian military has now been ordered to use their weapons "to protect and preserve the life" of Ukrainian soldiers.

Meanwhile... Western leaders, including those in the U.S. and Germany have condemned Putin's actions...

"We would not recognize this attempted annexation."

but the Russian president is not showing any signs of backing down.
Connie Lee, Arirang News.

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