Double standards are on display as Western leaders attack Russia for its stance on and "actions" in Ukraine, while they themselves endorse or commit worse aggression on other countries.

The world's attention has been focused on Ukraine. Russian official media said Sunday's Crimea referendum has polled an overwhelming majority of approval for "reunification" with Russia, while Western powers and the new Kiev government denounce the referendum as illegal. US President Barack Obama told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Crimea's vote "would never be recognized" by the US. The US and EU were expected to announce sanctions against Russia on Monday.

Events shifted to Crimea after Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych was ousted and a new government formed, with accusations that the Russian military had taken over the region. Yanukovych, resurfacing in a Russian town, said he left because his life was in danger. He also said the new regime is illegitimate and he is still the president.