President Viktor Yanukovych held a press conference in Russia on Friday, maintaining that he was still the leader of Ukraine, and criticizing the "radicals" who took over parliament and voted on his impeachment.

"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," said Yanukovych.

The ousted president gave his speech in Russian before a crowd in Rostov-on-Don. It was the first public appearance he had made since last Saturday when he had fled Ukraine's capital Kiev for the Russian-sympathizers in the country's eastern region.

Yanukovych's whereabouts remained unknown for much of the last week, until he resurfaced in Moscow.

Yanukovych abandoned Kiev after attempts at a peace deal had not gone over well with protestors. The former president said he feared for his life and his family. He disregarded the current interim government established by opposition leaders, labeling them "nationalist and fascist thugs." He also blames them for the 82 lives lost in a protest at Kiev's central square, claiming that he had nothing to do with the snipers who shot and killed civilians that day.

Yanukovych is also critical of Western involvement in Ukraine, blaming the European Union and United States diplomats for not helping to secure the peace deal put in place last Friday. He then called on Russia to take action in helping him reestablish authority over Ukraine.

"Knowing the character of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin," said Yanukovych, referring to Russia's president. "I am surprised that he is until now so restrained and silent."

Russia, who was in support of Yanukovych's administration, has already threatened to intervene in the political crisis. Reports seem to indicate that they have followed through on this threat, as armed men in camo have seized airports in the majority Russian ethnic Crimea region. Ukraine's new interior minister, Arsen Avakov, has claimed that the men belong to Russia's Black Sea Fleet, though Russia denies this.

Yanukovych urged Crimean Russians to remain calm. "Do not allow blood to be shed or for conflict to begin," he said. "As the legitimate president of Ukraine, I think Crimea should be part of the Ukrainian state with their autonomous rights ensured."

Yanokovych is adamant that he will return to Ukraine once it is stable, but that seems unlikely. He is wanted by the current government for his role in civilian deaths, as well as corruption and gross misuse of the country's finances.