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Ukrainian ex-leader Viktor Yanukovych vows fightback | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Ukraine's ex-President Viktor Yanukovych has made his first public appearance since being ousted last week, telling a news conference in Russia he would fight for his country. | |
He said he was "not overthrown", but was compelled to leave Ukraine after threats to his life. | |
He described those who drove him from power as "young neo-fascist thugs". | |
Mr Yanukovych was ousted last Saturday, after a bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters. | |
Tensions have risen since he stepped down, especially in the Russian-majority Crimea region, which largely supports Mr Yanokovych. | |
There has also been friction between Moscow and the interim administration in Kiev - which leans more towards the West than Russia. | |
On Friday, Ukraine accused Russia of carrying out an "armed invasion" in Crimea, by sending naval forces to occupy Sevastopol airport. | |
Reappearance | Reappearance |
"I intend to continue to struggle for the future of Ukraine, against terror and fear," Mr Yanokovych told the news conference. | |
"I can't find words to characterise this new authority. These are people who advocate violence - the Ukrainian parliament is illegitimate. | |
"What's going on now is lawlessness, lack of authority, and terror. Decisions in parliament were taken under duress," he said. | |
He insisted he did not "flee anywhere'' and would come back in Ukraine "as soon as there are guarantees for my security and that of my family". | |
Mr Yanukovych disappeared after being ousted from office but resurfaced in Russia on Thursday, asserting that he was still Ukraine's lawful president. | |
The news conference is being held in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, near the Ukrainian border. | The news conference is being held in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, near the Ukrainian border. |
Earlier on Friday, Ukraine's general prosecutor said he would ask Russia to extradite Mr Yanukovych. | Earlier on Friday, Ukraine's general prosecutor said he would ask Russia to extradite Mr Yanukovych. |
In other developments: |