Putin Annexes the 'Republic of Crimea'

Annexing Crimea is a done deal as far as Vladimir Putin is concerned, but the US and Europe are ready to ramp up economic sanctions. We look at the possible downsides for both East and West and at diplomatic relations since the Cold War. Also, Toyota's $1.2 billion settlement for acceleration problems, and the latest from documents revealed by Edward Snowden: the NSA can record 100% of an entire nation's telephone calls and listen in later.

Banner image: President Putin (C) announces Crimea's accession to the Russian Federation, March 18, 2014. At his right is Sergei Aksyonov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Crimea. Photo: Russian Presidential Press and Information Office