Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev questioned the new government in Ukraine today.
“It is an aberration to call legitimate what is essentially armed mutiny.”
NBC News reported:
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Sunday that Ukraine’s leaders had seized power illegally, and predicted their rule would end with “a new revolution [and] new bloodshed.”
Medvedev said that, while Viktor Yanukovych had practically no authority, he remained the legitimate head of state according the constitution, adding: “If he is guilty before Ukraine – hold an impeachment procedure … and try him.”
“Everything else is lawlessness. The seizure of power,” Medvedev said on his Facebook page. “And that means such order will be extremely unstable. It will end in a new revolution. New bloodshed.”
The remarks were part of a series of Russian statements attacking the legitimacy of the pro-Western government that has been formed since Yanukovych fled Kiev more than a week ago. He surfaced on Friday in Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin obtained consent from the Kremlin-controlled parliament on Saturday to send the Russian military into Ukraine if he wishes, citing the need to protect Russian citizens and Russian-speakers in the neighboring state.
“Russia is ready to develop multi-faceted, respectful relations with brotherly Ukraine — mutually beneficial and effective relations,” Medvedev said.
“But Ukraine for us is not a group of people who, pouring blood on the Maidan (Kiev’s main square), seized power in violation of the constitution and other state laws.”
“Russia needs a strong and stable Ukraine. A predictable and economically thriving partner,” Medvedev said. “Not a poor relation that’s always standing with a hand held out.”
More…
via @ukrpravda_news :russians are storming military base in Belbek trying to get into warehouse with ammunition&weapon
— Kateryna_Kruk (@Kateryna_Kruk) March 2, 2014