Ukraine's acting president has warned Russia that troop movements outside its naval base in Crimea would be seen as an "act of aggression". Armed men seized regional government headquarters and parliament and the Russian flag is flying from buildings
Ukrainian opposition leader Vitaly Klitschko said he hoped that the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Poland would be able to agree a roadmap with President Viktor Yanukovich and opposition leaders later tonight.
Klitschko told reporters: "We have no clear decision yet. We hope for a result tonight."
Diplomatic sources told Reuters that the roadmap would include forming a temporary government.
Ukraine's interim President has expressed concerns about signs of separatism as opposition in Russian-speaking regions grows.
Hundreds of Ukrainians and journalists flocked to the presidential palace, as reports emerged that President Yanukovich had left the city.
Vitali Klitschko was met with boos from anti-government protesters, as he attempted to convince them a peace deal is best course of action.