Original sentence: In March 2014, a popular referendum in support of accession to Russia was held in Crimea and Sevastopol, although Ukraine and several other countries explicitly declared that they do not recognise Russian rule in the peninsula, viewing Russian actions during and after 2014 referendum as annexation of the Ukrainian territory, and continue to recognise the Ukrainian Autonomous Republic of Crimea as the legitimate authority in the peninsula.Within days, Russia absorbed the peninsula, notwithstanding that Ukraine continues to claim Crimea as an integral part of its territory
Edited sentence: In March 2014, a popular referendum in support of accession to Russia was held in Crimea and Sevastopol, although Ukraine and most of the international community refused to recognize the vote.Ukraine continues to claim Crimea as an integral part of its territory.Within days, Russia absorbed the peninsula