Ukrainians say they're ready to fight for their country
KIEV, Ukraine - Ukraine is caught in the middle between the NATO countries, led by the United States, and Russia. East of the Dnieper River, most folks identify with Russia. To the west, most want to be part of Western Europe.
On Monday in Kiev's Independence Square -- the heart of the revolution -- there was a funeral for one of the leading figures of the protest movement that had forced Ukraine's pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych to flee.
"Heroes don't die," they chanted, and called him a patriot and a fighter.
Is he worried about the possibility of fighting the Russians?
"Of course, we are worried, everybody's worried. But we cannot choose. It's our oath, our moral right," he said.
The mood has changed here in Independence Square and throughout much of the country. Where they were celebrating the idea of a new future, they are mourning those who died for it. And they are worried about what comes next.
On Monday, acting Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk warned again that his government would never accept Russia's takeover of Crimea.
"For these actions, the price must be paid. No one will give Crimea back to anyone," Yatesenyuk said.
"We will do what we are capable of," said Magdanik said.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's visit Tuesday is seen as a show of support for the new Ukrainian government, but it's unclear what he can do to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis, with no indication of either side backing down.
