Yanukovich Asks Russia For Protection, Gets It

The ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich has asked the Russain authorities for protection and received it.

According to the Russian news agency Interfax, which quoted a Russian official, who wished to remain anonymous, Yanukovich's request was granted.

“With regards to the fact that Yanukovich asked the Russian authorities for personal protection, I am letting you know, that his request was granted for the territory of the Russian Federation”, said the source.

In an address to the Ukrainian people, quoted by Interfax, Yanukovich claims he fears for his and his associates' safety. “There is a danger of retribution upon me and my associates”, he wrote. “I am forced to ask the Russian authorities to provide me protection from the actions of the extremists.”

Yanukovich's whereabouts are still a mystery, since he abandoned Kiev on February 21. Various reports claimed he was in Harkov, Donetsk and Sevastopol and that he has already fled to Russia.

Meanwhile, he has been placed on the international wanted list, together with ex-Interior Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko. Ukraine's Rada decided to ask the International Court of Justice in The Hague to try Yanukovich, Zakharchenko, Ukraine's former Chief Prosecutor Viktor Pshonka and several other high officials for “crimes against humanity during the peaceful protests in Kiev in the period November 30, 2013 – February 22, 2014.”

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