Crimea: What's next for people in the disputed region?

Pro-Russian marchers (foreground) walk past pro-Ukrainian marchers gathered in Simferopol, capital of Ukraine's Crimea region, Saturday. Several hundred pro-Ukrainian protesters marched peacefully through the city center to a Ukrainian military base that's been blockaded by pro-Russian militants and soldiers.

As debate continues at the diplomatic level, we take a look at some of the practical considerations of redrawing the borders of the contested region.

Well the disputed region of Crimea will be part of Russia. At least that's according to a defiant Vladimir Putin today who attended a signing ceremony with Crimean officials and addressed the Russian Parliament. Both the US and European Union have not recognized a controversial vote Sunday and have announced more sanctions against Russia.

But what's next for Crimea?

As debate continues at the diplomatic level, we take a look at some of the practical considerations of redrawing the borders of the contested region.What would a change of status actually mean to the place and the people on the ground? For more we turn to John Agnew, political geographer at UCLA.