IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Now Crimea's Time Zone Is a-Changin'

The decision comes hours after a landslide result in Crimea's independence referendum was confirmed by officials.
Get more newsLiveon

Crimea will ditch Ukraine's time zone and switch to Moscow Standard Time within weeks, Crimea's Prime Minister Sergei Aksenov announced Monday.

The announcement follows Sunday's referendum in Crimea, in which 96.8 percent of voters said they wanted to break away from Ukraine and come under Russia's rule.

Eastern European Time, observed by countries including Ukraine, Greece, and Turkey, observes daylight savings time and the switch coincides with the date its clocks jump forward.

Moscow Standard Time is the same throughout the year, so in the winter Crimea will be two hours ahead of Ukraine.

The change will occur on March 30, according to Aksenov.