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Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow reserves the right to use all means to protect Russians in Ukraine.
He accused the West of encouraging an anti-constitutional coup in Ukraine and driving it into anarchy, declaring that any sanctions the West places on Russia would backfire.
Tensions remained high in Crimea, with troops loyal to Moscow standing firm and showing no sign of leaving.
At the Belbek airbase they fired warning shots to ward off Ukrainian soldiers.
About a dozen Russian soldiers warned 300 unarmed Ukrainian soldiers not to approach the base.
In Moscow Mr Putin said that although ousted president Viktor Yanukovych had no political future and Russia gave him shelter only to save his life, he was still Ukraine's legitimate leader.
Earlier Mr Putin had ordered tens of thousands of Russian troops on military exercises near Ukraine's border to return to their bases.
US Secretary of State John Kerry addressed crowds in Kiev's Independence Square.
"We are going to help you. We are helping you. President Obama is planning for more assistance," he said.
But the type of assistance Kiev could expect was rapidly becoming clear.
An International Monetary Fund team arrived to discuss conditions for a Europe and US-backed rescue loan.
The IMF said its team would conduct a 10-day "fact-finding mission" and discuss reforms.
Officials of the new Ukraine government have said they need at least $15 billion.
But the Fund and other donors have stressed they demand tough prior reforms, including slashing subsidies on natural gas.
US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew also emphasised reform.
Mr Lew said Washington would work with other countries "to provide support to restore financial stability ... if the new Ukrainian government implements necessary reforms."
On Monday new Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk caved in to the demands of the IMF, including raising tariffs and cutting social spending.
"This government will fulfill the requirements of the IMF for the simple reason that it is our only option," he said.
He added that the 2014 budget could be slashed by up to 17 per cent.
