KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — In a somber show of US support for Ukraine’s new leadership, Secretary of State John Kerry walked the streets yesterday where more than 80 anti-government protesters were killed last month, and promised beseeching crowds that American aid is on the way.

Kerry met in Ukraine with the new Government’s acting president, prime minister, foreign minister, and top parliamentary officials. Speaking to reporters afterward, Kerry urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stand down and said the US is looking for ways to de-escalate the mounting tensions.

Kerry headed straight to Institutska Street at the start of an hours-long visit intended to bolster the new government that took over just a week ago when Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych fled. Kerry placed a bouquet of red roses, and twice the Roman Catholic secretary of state made the sign of the cross at a shrine set up to memorialise protesters who were killed during mid-February riots.

“We will be helping,” Kerry said. “We are helping. President Obama is planning more assistance.”

In Washington, the White House said the $1-billion loan guarantee was aimed at helping insulate Ukraine from reductions in energy subsidies. Russia provides a substantial portion of Ukraine’s natural gas and US officials said they are prepared to work with Kiev to reduce its dependence on those imports. The assistance is also meant to supplement a broader aid package from the International Monetary Fund.