The Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov, in a telephone call with Kerry, also said Ukrainian authorities should curb what the statement described as "the rampant ultranationalist and radical groups that are terrorizing dissidents and Russian-speaking people" in Ukraine.
The phone call came as Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution declaring the referendum invalid. Thirteen council members voted in favor, while Moscow ally China abstained.
The church has reported multiple oral and written threats against its priests and warnings that they should leave Crimea, the report says.
Затриманого в церкві кримського священика відпустили – УГКЦ http://t.co/0hC3L55bOW
— Радіо Свобода (@radiosvoboda) March 15, 2014
Boxes on these ballots all have option No. 1 checked - to join Russia. RT @EvgenyFeldman: галочки pic.twitter.com/zkn6MCdb70 #Crimea
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 16, 2014
Sergei Aksyonov has voted @rianru: Премьер-министр Крыма Сергей Аксенов на избирательном участке pic.twitter.com/DS3FZLBF0v”
— Roland Oliphant (@RolandOliphant) March 16, 2014
Ультрас Дніпра та Севастополя провели марш єдності на підтримку Криму http://t.co/WlEFtuo1LM pic.twitter.com/oTxxt6HWiy
— Газета День (@TheDayNewspaper) March 16, 2014
#Crimea flag adorns voting booths at today's referendum. pic.twitter.com/U4jr7QKtGb
— Dan Peleschuk (@dpeleschuk) March 16, 2014
two straight interviews broken up by "observers" in #Bakhchysaray. "Your little paper (accreditation) means nothing." #Crimea #pressfreedom
— Noah Sneider (@NoahSneider) March 16, 2014
"Elegimos entre pan seco de #ucrania o pan con mantequilla #ruso". Dicen en #simferopol pic.twitter.com/MwPA1ZrJBy
— mikel ayestaran (@mikelayestaran) March 16, 2014
Pro Russian motorbike gang in #Simferopol #crimeareferendum pic.twitter.com/RV6qJjHoJ7
— Lindsey Hilsum (@lindseyhilsum) March 16, 2014