Viktor Yanukovych via CNN calls Tymoshenko to accept defeat

Viktor Yanukovych, the Ukrainian opposition leader whose first presidential election victory was overturned by the courts after the 2004 Orange Revolution and who won the 2010 presidential elections, called on his rival Yulia Tymoshenko to accept defeat and recognize elections’ results.

The call was voiced via an exclusive interview with CNN. Victor Yanukovich also said that any decisions he makes as president will be in the national interest of Ukraine, not Russia.

Last reports by the Central Elections Commission showed that Yanukovych leads in the 7 February presidential run-off, leaving behind Yulia Tymoshenko by 3,5%. CEC has announced a break, while one Crimea poll’s ballots are still to be counted to announce the final results.