Ukraine Conflict: "If I decide to use armed forces it will be in line with international law," - Putin

President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow reserves the right to use all means to protect Russians in Ukraine, but hopes Russia won't have to use force.

"If I decide to use armed forces it will be in line with international law," Putin said.

During a news conference on Tuesday, Putin described the recent turmoil in Ukraine as an anti-constitutional coup, and said that while the Ukrainian parliament was legitimate, acting President Olexander Turchynov was not.

Putin also noted that if Ukraine holds new elections, the results will not be acknowledged by Russia.

"If they are held under such terror as we see now, then we won't (recognize them)," Putin said.

Former Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych, who is accused of mass crimes against the protesters who stood up for months against his rule, did not give orders to shoot the demonstrators, Putin claimed.

Yanukovych sent a letter to Putin asking him to use the Russian military to restore law and order in his country, Reuters reported