PUTIN: RUSSIA HELPED YANUKOVYCH TO FLEE UKRAINE (STA BREAKING NEWS and ARCHIVES)

by STANews , Friday, October 24, 2014, 20:52

Ukraine's pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych (left) was ousted in February

Russia helped ousted Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych to flee from violent protests in February, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said.

It is the first time Mr Putin has said openly that he helped his ally to flee.

Russian speakers in Ukraine's east mostly backed Mr Yanukovych and were enraged at his overthrow, which helped to fuel months of violence.

Ukraine is electing a new parliament on Sunday, but eastern separatists will hold their own vote next month.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Mr Putin that the elections in the east must be held under Ukrainian law.

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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29761799