Ukrainian-Russian relations deteriorate

Medvedev's recent statement accusing pro-Western Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko of anti-Russian stands suggests the Kremlin wants to again place Ukraine under Russian political influence, Andriy Parubiy, a lawmaker and member of the pro-Yushchenko political group, told the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

In an open letter, Medvedev told Yushchenko he will delay sending a new ambassador to Kiev until Russian-Ukrainian relations are improved.

Russia has always done and will do everything to bring a pro-Russian presidential candidate to power in Ukraine, Parubiy said.

Pro-Russian opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych, in his Party of Regions' statement Tuesday said there is no chance to improve relations with Russia until he is in power.

If the Party of Regions wins presidential election Jan. 17 and Yanukovych becomes president the first thing to do will be to normalize good neighborly relations with the strategic partner Russia, the statement said.

Yanukovych would win 22 percent of vote and Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko would receive 13 percent if presidential election was held this week, a recent public opinion survey indicated. Yushchenko would receive only 4 percent of the vote, Interfax-Ukraine said.