Yanukovych reappears in Russia

Deposed Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych tells reporters in Rostov-on-Don that he had been “compelled to leave” Ukraine after he received threats to his security.

He insisted on Friday in his first public appearance since fleeing to Russia that he had not been overthrown and would continue to fight for the future of Ukraine.

Yanukovych told reporters in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don that he had been “compelled to leave” Ukraine after he received threats to his security.

“I have not been overthrown by anyone, I was compelled to leave Ukraine due to an immediate threat to my life and the life of those close to me,” he said.

“I intend to continue the fight for the future of Ukraine against those who try to saddle it with fear and terror.”

Yanukovych, who fled after being impeached by parliament on Saturday, savaged the anti-Kremlin and pro-EU forces who have now taken power.