Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday took the first steps to absorb the Ukrainian region of Crimea into Russia, in what would mark the most significant redrawing of Europe's borders since World War II.

Putin officially informed parliament of Crimea's request to join Russia and instructed the national branches of power to approve an agreement for Crimea to become part of the country.

He was due to address both houses of parliament after recognizing Crimea's independence late Monday in what was seen as the initial step towards it becoming Russian territory.

"The president is going to set out his position over the request of Crimea to become part of Russia in line with the result of the referendum," said Sergei Naryshkin, speaker of the State Duma lower house of parliament.

With overwhelming support for the move within Russia itself, tens of thousands of people are expected to hold a rally in central Moscow with the slogan "We are together" after Putin's speech.

Crimea has long held a great hold over the Russian psyche. The lush peninsula has been the base of Kremlin navies since the late 18th century and only became part of Ukraine in 1954 after Soviet leader Nikita Khrushschev transferred it from Russia.

Russia now appears set to present the absorption of Crimea as a just response to a request made by a state that is already independent, albeit recognized by no one but Moscow.

State Duma MPs appear to have quietly shelved a bill that would have allowed Russia to have directly annexed Crimea, possibly on legal advice.

Putin's moves on Tuesday set the stage for parliament to approve the absorption of Crimea following approval by the Russian Constitutional Court.

"Parliament will deal with its responsibility quickly and responsibly," said Naryshkin.

The asset freezes and travel bans announced by the United States and the European Union appear not to be enough to influence Russia.