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Update: Ukraine President Yanukovych Sworn In
March 01, 2010
By: Paul Larson | Printer Friendly

Viktor Yanukovych was sworn into the Presidency on February 25.  His opponent, current Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko maintains that the results are fraudulent.  Regardless of the rhetoric, Tymoshenko has withdrawn her claim from court, according to the BBC.

The Economist reports that Tymoshenko has refused to concede to Yanukovych to show that she is prepared to fight on and reduce Yanukovych’s electoral mandate.  This determination will excite her base and put her in a better position for the confidence vote scheduled for next week.

Russia has sent the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, to bless Yanukovich before his inauguration, according to the Economist.  Yanukovich is known for being supportive of closer ties with Russia.  Even so, his first foreign visit will be to Brussels.

Click here to read more about Ukraine's presidential elections.

Sources:

BBC - Viktor Yanukovych sworn in as Ukraine president

Economist - Yanukovich's mixed blessing