For maximum inclusiveness, the ballots were printed in three languages - Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar. The referendum was closely watched by roughly 50 observers from 21 countries.
But what exactly triggered the life-defining vote in Crimea?
In February 2014, a coup d'etat took place in Ukraine which was instigated by western governments amid violent mass riots known as the "Euromaidan".
From the very first days, the new Kiev junta began to opress citizens, that identified themselves as Russians. Authorities of Crimea and citizens of the peninsula could not accept the lawless radical government that claimed power in Kiev. As such, the Crimean people asked Russia for protection and scheduled a referendum.
Follow Sputnik photo gallery to learn more!