For President Vladimir Putin and the entire top leadership of Russia, it is very important to recognize in the eyes of the world public the legality of being in power.

This was broadcast on ObozTV air by the well-known Russian lawyer Mark Feigin, commenting on Ukraine's tough position on non-recognition of presidential elections in the occupied Crimea.

"They want recognition and legitimacy of their power. For them, this is important. Otherwise, tomorrow he would declare himself king, anointed, God's anointed, and this would all end. They want to get legitimacy from the people. So modern rules are required all over the world, "he said..

In support of his words, Feigin cited examples of Moscow's active participation in various international organizations and institutions.

"In fact, Putin does not care. Then why, for example, Russia did not leave the Council of Europe, why does it continue to run against some international jurisdictions. The so-called universal jurisdictions. In the same Stockholm Arbitration there are disputes, including with Ukraine. And Russia does not give up this path, "added the lawyer.

He also believes that the negative consequences of such pressure will not be long in coming.

"The fact is that European countries no longer recognized the elections in the Crimea. But this is also cunning.

Separate in the basket of votes given as a whole for the president, separately the Crimean voices are very difficult. This impasse has a political outlet. These countries, of course, can not tomorrow recognize Putin as an illegitimate president, but to reduce the format of representation, to terminate contacts, other than necessary, can. Perhaps this is already being discussed in the context of recent events related to the poisoning of a former Russian citizen, an employee of the GRU Skripal in London. I think that this is already being discussed, "summed up Feigin.