Earlier today Russian forces along with local militia's peacefully took over two Ukrainian Navy Bases, including the headquarters of the Ukrainian Navy, detaining the chief of the Ukrainian Navy in the process. Meanwhile officials in Kiev have stated that Ukrainian forces will be withdrawn from the Crimea region, a move that will almost certainly embolden Putin further (2). While the rest of the world may not officially recognize the annexation of Crimea into Russia, for those living in Crimea the deal is welcomed and appears nearly inevitable, especially as Ukraine withdraws its troops and surrenders military bases. While politicians and scholars around the world argue over the legality of Russia's moves and Crimea's referendum, Russian forces occupy Crimea unopposed.
P.S. I highly recommend you read Putin's address, or at least some of it, available at:
http://www.ibtimes.com/russia-president-vladimir-putins-address-crimea-referendum-full-text-1562259
It provides a completely different perspective from what you may read on CNN or NBC. A counterpoint is presented here:
1: http://www.ibtimes.com/russia-president-vladimir-putins-address-crimea-referendum-full-text-1562259
2: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26656617