While a referendum is prepared in Crimea, others try to make their voices heard on the streets.

In Moscow, hundreds gathered to show their support for the territory to join Russia, but some said war must be avoided.

Others denounced the new leadership in Kiev.

One man said: “Terrorists took over, ousting the legitimate president. He’s on the run and I think the country is ruled by terrorists.”

But in Crimea those opposed to a referendum on joining Russia have rallied outside the headquarters of a TV station that caters for Crimea’s Tatar population.

One pro-Ukrainian demonstrator said: “When armed people have no insignia on their uniforms you can consider them terrorists. And the authorities are gangsters.”

The Tatar TV station is one of the last pro-Ukraine channels on air in Crimea; others are reported to have been blocked by Russian and Crimean authorities.