With Yushchenko’s shadow over him, Yanukovych must make Moscow wary

“Tymoshenko takes a loyal attitude toward Moscow. She even said in western media that Ukraine should be thinking of joining the EU instead of NATO. Regarding gas supplies, Tymoshenko is also more loyal to the northern neighbor. Therefore, the cabinet should apparently have complete Kremlin’s trust. However, Yushchenmo and Yanukovych are conspiring to oust Tymoshenko. What will happen and what kind of government will be in place? For Moscow the situation is still unclear.”

Pohrebynsky also commented on Yanukovych’s recent statement to the effect that relations with Russia will improve only if political power is changed in Ukraine:

“The activities of Viktor Yushchenko, his pocket foreign ministry and SBU are aimed to worsen relations with Russia. A change of power in Ukraine will defuse the existing tension. Such an open anti-Russian rhetoric is unacceptable,” the expert said.