Ousted Ukrainian Viktor Yanukovych is speaking to the press from the southern Russian port city of Rostov-on-Don, where he is under Kremlin protection.
On Thursday Yanukovych asserted that he is still the legitimate president of Ukraine. He is now calling for a reorganization of the government, new presidential elections, and a new constitution.
His statement sounds like he is trying to get back to the truce signed on February 19, which was subsequently rejected by protesters. After a day of bloodshed, Yanukovych fled and parliament stripped him of his position.
A new government was approved yesterday, but neither Yanukovych nor Russia recognize it.
"I believe that the Ukrainian parliament is not legitimate," he said.
He is arguing that the people who forced him out of the country are "radicals," and that the turmoil would have calmed down if the February 19 truce was implemented.
"I didn't flee anywhere," Yanukovych says. He said was on his way to meet with activists in the eastern city of Kharkov when his car came under attack. "Radical groups started arriving in Kharkov. It was not about fear. I didn't have any fear. I needed to comply with the safety conditions."
Here's the feed:
Russia has not acknowledged the new government in Kiev, besides the foreign ministry spokesman saying that "a 'government of winners' which includes representatives of the extreme nationalists is being created."
Here's what's happening today:
- Russian troops have taken over two Crimean airports. Ukrainian authorities confronted the armed men at the international airport. The soldiers responded by saying: “We do not have instructions to negotiate with you.
- Ukraine's acting president Oleksandr V. Turchynov said: “Terrorists with automatic weapons, judged by our special services to be professional soldiers, tried to take control of the airport in Crimea.”
- Ukraine's acting security chief said that a state of emergency might be declared in Crimea.
- The country's coast guard base is surrounded by about 30 Russian marines.
- Ukraine's Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said: "I consider what is happening to be an armed invasion and an occupation."
- A Swiss prosecutor opened a money laundering investigation into Yanukovich and his son Oleksander. Their assets were frozen.
- Ukraine's Prosecutor General ordered the detention of 10 top former government, security, and military officials on suspicion of mass murder during the crackdown on protesters in Kiev.
Given the circumstances, it will be interesting to hear what Yanukovych has to say.