Ukraine’s ex-President Viktor Yanukovych has made his first public appearance since being ousted last week, telling a news conference in Russia he would fight for his country.He said he was “not overthrown”, but was compelled to leave Ukraine after threats to his life. He described those who drove him from power as “young neo-fascist thugs”. Mr Yanukovych was ousted last Saturday, after a bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters. Tensions have risen since he stepped down, especially in the Russian-majority Crimea region, which largely supports Mr Yanokovych. There has also been friction between Moscow and the interim administration in Kiev – which leans more towards the West than Russia. On Friday, Ukraine accused Russia of carrying out an “armed invasion” in Crimea, by sending naval forces to occupy Sevastopol airport. Reappearance “I intend to continue to struggle for the future of Ukraine, against terror and fear,” Mr Yanokovych told the news conference. “I can’t find words to characterise this new authority. These are people who advocate violence – the Ukrainian parliament is illegitimate. “What’s going on now is lawlessness, lack of authority, and terror. Decisions in parliament were taken under duress,” he said. He insisted he did not “flee anywhere” and would come back in Ukraine”as soon as there are guarantees for my security and that of my family”. Mr Yanukovych disappeared after being ousted from office but resurfaced in Russia on Thursday, asserting that he was still Ukraine’s lawful president. The news conference is being held in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, near the Ukrainian border. Earlier on Friday, Ukraine’s general prosecutor said he would ask Russia to extradite Mr Yanukovych. In other developments: * Ukraine has accused Russia of sending naval forces to occupy Sevastopol airport in the Crimea region – something the Russian Black Sea Fleet – which is stationed nearby – denies. * Another Crimean airport, Simferopol, has also been occupied by armed men, thought to be pro-Russia militia. * Unconfirmed reports say eight Russian military helicopters have arrived in Sevastopol * Amid fears of hyperinflation, Ukraine’s central bank has put a 15,000 hryvnia (1,000 euro; £820) limit on daily cash withdrawals * Ukraine’s parliament calls on the UN Security Council to discuss the unfolding crisis in Crimea. – BBC News
