Ukrainian fugitive president appeared for first time since February 22 at Russia news conference in Moscow on Saturday.
In his first public appearance since fleeing Kiev, Mr. Yanukovych told “No has deposed me ... I was forced to leave Ukraine because of the threat to my life.”
Mr. Yanukovych also pledged to fight on for his country’s future.
Mr. Yanukovych added that he “intends to keep on fighting for Ukraine’s future” against new Ukrainian authorities he described as “pro-fascist thugs.”
Mr. Yanukovych apologised “for the fact that I didn’t have enough strength to maintain stability and to allow the mess to happen.” His response came when asked by a reporter if he felt ashamed. “I would like to extend my apologies to the veterans, to the Ukrainian people ... for what happened in Ukraine.”
The deposed president called the May 25 presidential elections decreed by parliament “illegitimate” and said he would not participate.
He also told that constitutional reform should be undertaken by September, a referendum be held on questions concerning Ukraine’s future be staged, and fresh presidential elections be held by December.
He said the agreement reached on February 21 by his government, the opposition and the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Poland should be adhered to. It foresaw new elections between September and December.
That agreement was made largely irrelevant, however, after Yanukovych fled the country and the opposition took power.
