Yanukovich says he is "the only legitimate president of Ukraine"
- 10 years ago
It is no swan song for ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich.
Still in exile in Russia, he is not backing down.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) OUSTED UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VIKTOR YANUKOVICH SAYING:
"I would like to remind that I remain not only the only legitimate president of Ukraine, but also the commander-in-chief. I did not step down prematurely. I am alive, and I was not dismissed from the office in accordance with Ukraine's constitution."
He blames his foes for the fact that Crimea was "breaking off" from Ukraine.
Pro-Russian forces that have taken over the Crimean government plan to hold a referendum on Sunday. They will decide whether the region should rejoin Russia.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) OUSTED UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VIKTOR YANUKOVICH SAYING:
"Ukraine is going through tough times now. Your actions led to Crimea breaking away, so that even under the gun, south-eastern peoples demand to respect them, and their rights."
He is vowing to ret
Still in exile in Russia, he is not backing down.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) OUSTED UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VIKTOR YANUKOVICH SAYING:
"I would like to remind that I remain not only the only legitimate president of Ukraine, but also the commander-in-chief. I did not step down prematurely. I am alive, and I was not dismissed from the office in accordance with Ukraine's constitution."
He blames his foes for the fact that Crimea was "breaking off" from Ukraine.
Pro-Russian forces that have taken over the Crimean government plan to hold a referendum on Sunday. They will decide whether the region should rejoin Russia.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) OUSTED UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VIKTOR YANUKOVICH SAYING:
"Ukraine is going through tough times now. Your actions led to Crimea breaking away, so that even under the gun, south-eastern peoples demand to respect them, and their rights."
He is vowing to ret