I don't think with it's illegal ballot or not that the actual Protesters want anything to do with Russia themselves.
"Its kind of tough for Ukraine's forces to do anything with their armouries mostly seized and bases taken so swiftly by the Russians. Putin planned this thoroughly and probably performed the idea of Blitzkrieg far better than the Germans ever did, his forces took over so fast Ukraine had no time to react at all."
Is really key to helping to explain everything. Not to mention we will not enter another war with our current president. He made that very apparent with his decision to not go into Syria. Russia is another matter entirely. It may choose to envelop Crimea but if Georgia has taught us anything about that, is, they will not put up with bullshit.