Crimea Celebrates Its First Anniversary Of Annexation By Russia

Soldiers of the honor guard prepare to march as people celebrate the first anniversary of the signing of the decree on the annexation of the Crimea by the Russian Federation, on March 18, 2015 in Sevastopol, Crimea.

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People celebrate the first anniversary of the annexation, March 18, 2015 in Sevastopol.

Alexander Aksakov—Getty Images

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Soldiers march in Sevastopol, March 18, 2015.

Alexander Aksakov—Getty Images

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Anniversary celebrations in Sevastopol, March 18, 2015.

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People celebrate the annexation in Sevastopol, March 18, 2015.

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People sing on the first anniversary of the annexation to Russia, March 18, 2015 in Sevastopol.

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People celebrate the first anniversary of the annexation, March 18, 2015 in Sevastopol.

Alexander Aksakov—Getty Images

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A video of Russian President Vladimir Putin signing the decree is shown on the first anniversary of the annexation, March 18, 2015 in Sevastopol.

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By TIME Photo

March 18, 2015 5:17 PM EDT