A man holds a sign that identifies him as a pro-Russian voter at Lenin Square in Simferopol, capital of Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea on March 16, 2014. Crimea held a referendum on March 16 to decide whether it will break away from Ukraine, the result of which will be announced on March 17. Photo: Li Qian/GT

A local man (center) poses for a photo with pro-Russian troops in front of the Crimean parliament building in Simferopol, Crimea on March 16. A Russian flag has flown ever since pro-Russian forces arrived at the building. Photo: Li Qian/GT