...and then recovers slightly to 52.7 to dollar...
Putin not addressing economic crisis. Ruble falls slightly to 52.79 to U.S. dollar
RFE/RL newsdesk: Putin says Russia will respect Ukraine as brotherly country but that the "tragedy" in eastern Ukraine shows Russian policies are "right."
RFE/RL newsdesk: Putin says Crimea has a "sacred importance" for Russia, compares the annexed peninsula to Jewish and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.
Putin says because Ukraine has delayed its Free Trade Pact with EU "shows we were right."
Putin criticises "armed seizure of power" in Ukraine.