Russia denounces West for Yanukovych ouster

Russia denounced the West for supporting the collapse of Viktor Yanukovych’s presidency, accusing Western powers of supporting “terrorists” and “extremists” in taking over Ukraine. Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev said the interim government lacked legitimacy and added it will be hard for Russia to work with the new leaders. “If you consider Kalashnikov-toting people in black masks who are roaming Kiev to be the government, then it will be hard for us to work with that government,” Medvedev said. He also accused the West of showing no concern for the fate of Ukraine. Russia’s statement came as the West prepares to help Ukraine stabilize its economy, after Russia earlier said it will freeze $15 billion in cheap loans. The new interim leaders said the country needs $35 billion over the next two years. Yanukovych’s rule collapsed over the weekend, following months of violent protests in the capital Kiev over his refusal to agree on a trade deal with the European Union under Russian pressure.

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