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Viktor Yanukovych while still president of Ukraine sits at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sochi, February 7, 2014. Photo/REUTERS/David Goldman
The former president who was ousted in the 2014 Maidan coup released a lengthy speech Friday in which he shared his thoughts on the roots of the ongoing turmoil and the country’s potential fate.
“Ukraine’s current role as an instrument against Russia was outlined by the West long before the conflict between Moscow and Kiev broke out in late February,” the former president said.
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“In 2014, Ukraine designated certain Western countries as the region where the total weakening of Russia should begin. Precisely as a territory, and not as an independent country, not as a person who wants to live in peace with all his neighbors, excluding Russia,” Yanukovych said.
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“The current conflict can have fatal consequences for the country,” he said.
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“Ukraine risks not only losing its vast territory to its south and east but also the complete destruction of its sovereignty,” Yanukovych said.
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