MOSCOW, March 14 -- Russia accused the current Ukrainian authorities Friday of failing to control the situation in that country, saying Moscow might take Russian people there under its protection.

"We have repeatedly said that those who came to power in Kiev must disarm the militants, provide security for the population and people's legal right to hold rallies," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It referred to Thursday's events in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, where a young man was killed and several others injured when right-wing radicals clashed with a pro-Russian rally.

"As the events demonstrate, authorities in Kiev do not control the situation in the country," the ministry said.

Moscow said Russia realized its responsibility for the lives of its fellow citizens and compatriots in Ukraine.

"We reserve the right to take these people under our protection," it said.

The killing in Donetsk marked the first death since tensions moved from Kiev to Crimea in mid-February.

Crimea, a Ukrainian autonomous republic, will hold a referendum Sunday over its future status.