Victor Yanukovich

By Neave Barker in Europe on February 6th, 2010
Photo from AFP
The last official day of campaigning in Ukraine was marked by two simultaneous rallies on squares at opposite ends of the same street.
 
In front of the golden domed cupolas of Saint Michael’s Monastery, Victor Yanukovich’s campaign team hosted a star-studded pop concert. A short distance away Yulia Tymoshenko had gathered her supporters in front of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Hers was a much more contemplative affair, an open air prayer service in the company of the country’s top clergy.
 
Both rival camps had rallied hundreds of cheering, flag-waving supporters. Some had been bussed in from the regions, many making the most of the free-day trip to the capital.
 
By Neave Barker in Europe on February 4th, 2010
It’s a 4am start to catch a flight to Eastern Ukraine where we’re planning to meet Victor Yanukovich, the presidential election front runner on the campaign trail.
 
Ten hours later, after a series of snowy delays we pull into the town of Sverdlovka just as Yanukovich enters a windswept main square under a looming statue of Lenin.
 
Hundreds of elated supporters, mostly pensioners, have gathered to rapturously greet him. For many in this ethnic Russian speaking part of Ukraine, Yanukovich is nothing short of a superstar.
 
This is coal country, Ukraine’s industrial heartland. Here road signs, shop fronts and campaign posters are all written in Russian. This is where Yanukovich started his political career and where a number of his wealthy backers are based.
 
By Neave Barker in Europe on January 26th, 2010

It has been a bitterly fought presidential election in Ukraine.

 

The two frontrunners Victor Yanukovich and Yulia Tymoshenko have repeatedly accused each other of trying to rig the election in their favour.

 

Al Jazeera Live

What's Hot


Recent Comments

This work is licensed under Creative Commons. Please read our attribution policy.