The next step is up to the US.
Integration of Crimea with Russia though is an irreversible fact, underlined by the visit of the Russian government to Simferopol and Sevastopol today.
The intention is to transform it into a low tax zone like Kaliningrad and Russia will subsidize out of the federal budget, travel to and from Crimea.
Like in the Soviet time, it should again become a summer holiday destination for Russians.
Strange you mentioned Kaliningrad because Russia is not offering a referendum there. Everyone I meet from Kaliningrad are quick to point out that there are really from Königsberg as it is really a German town. What If Merkel sends in special forces with bandanas over their faces?
Dear, dear Comrade Putin, defender of summer holiday destinations.
What this whole episode really shows is that NATO is finished as an organization. Putin has found that out.
Even before Soviet times the Imperial family and aristocracies had homes in the Crimea. I do view Putin as aiming very high; he’s left his wife, with his divorce made official just today.