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Yanukovich says he's still president, asks Russia to ensure his safety ― RT News

Viktor Yanukovich still considers himself the legitimate leader of Ukraine and warns against an internal military conflict, according to a statement. He also asks Russia to ensure his safety against the actions of “extremists” that took power in Ukraine.

“On the streets of many cities of our country, extremism thrives. Threats of bodily harm are thrown at me and my collaborators. I’m forced to ask the Russian authorities to ensure my personal security against the actions of extremists,” Yanukovich said.

The southeast of the country and the Crimea don’t acknowledge the mayhem in Ukraine under which “leaders are chosen by the crowd,” news agencies quote his statement.

Yanukovich also said that he hadn’t ordered the Ukrainian army to interfere in the internal political events, and he doesn’t order it now, the statement reads.

“If someone gave such orders to the armed or security forces, these orders would be illegitimate, criminal,” Yanukovich stated.