DHAKA: The Ukrainian region of Crimea could adopt the Russian rouble as its currency and ‘nationalise’ state property as part of plans to join the Russian Federation.

A regional official was quoted as saying on Thursday, reports The Straits Times.

Interfax news agency cited Rustam Temurgaliyev, Crimea’s vice-premier, as saying, ‘All Ukrainian state enterprises will be nationalised and become the property of the Crimean autonomy’.

Hoping Moscow would let Crimea become part of Russia, he said, ‘We are ready to introduce the rouble zone’.

BDST: 1901 HRS, MAR 06, 2014