Ousted President Viktor Yanukovych insists that he is still the president of the Ukraine and vowed to fight for his country and not seek any military assistance.
According to the Associated Press, Yanukovych made his first public appearance at a news conference in Russia on Friday since being pushed out of power.
"I intend to continue the fight for the future of Ukraine against those who, with fear and with terror, are attempting to replace the power. Nobody has overthrown me,” he said.
CNN noted that Yanukovych said he was forced to flee because his life was in danger.
“I was compelled to leave Ukraine due to a direct threat to my life and my nearest and dearest.”
Yanukovych also noted that he understands Crimea's residents are worried about "nationalists" in Kiev, but the use of force is unnecessary.
"Any military action in this situation is unacceptable," he said.
The unrest in the country started in late November when the government refused to sign an agreement with the European Union, which would have facilitated trade between the Ukraine and European countries.
When protestors took to the streets, Yanukovych tried to have them removed. The result was that over 70 people were killed and 500 were injured during several days of fighting on and around Maidan Square.