Desperate for help, Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk addressed the U.N. Security Council in a special session.

He's hoping to find a peaceful solution to his country's crisis.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ARSENY YATSENIUK, PRIME MINISTER OF UKRAINE, SAYING:

"We still believe that there is a chance for a peaceful solution and the U.N. Security Council is a primary body, which is responsible for peace and stability in the world, can handle the situation and support Ukraine in tackling this crisis."

The clock is ticking - a referendum on Crimea joining Russia is slated for Sunday.

And with Russian forces occupying the peninsula, Yatseniuk wonders if Moscow is intent on war.

The Russian Ambassador responded:

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) VITALY CHURKIN, RUSSIA FEDERATION AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS, SAYING:

"I'm going to respond directly to a direct question put to me by Mr. Yatseniuk. Russia does not want war and nor do the Russians and I'm c