Putin revives Yanukovych narrative for multiple reasons — politician

Politician Oleh Rybachuk, head of the analytical and advocacy organization Center for Joint Actions and Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister for European Integration in 2005, spoke about this on Espreso TV.

“We remember that Yanukovych was brought in and kept somewhere in Minsk in 2022 because they expected to take Kyiv in three days. The Russians brought ceremonial uniforms with them and had a victory parade planned in Kyiv, where Yanukovych could return to his 'legitimate place.' One reason Putin brought him back is to hint once again that there was a coup, and the president - here he is, alive and well: new teeth, an American smile, a smoothed-out face,” Rybachuk commented.

In his view, another key point for Putin is the threat voiced by Yanukovych—that he understood the importance of joining the EU. Putin is not opposed and allows Ukrainians to move toward Europe, but he will never allow NATO membership.

“And here is Yanukovych, the 'legitimate president,' saying he understood that joining NATO was impossible because it would lead to a civil war. For the past four years, we’ve witnessed a 'civil war,' but it’s not Ukrainians fighting Ukrainians. So this was a signal - to show the West once again that any attempt to bring Ukraine, or as they say, 'drag Ukraine into NATO,' is completely unacceptable. This was another reason for Yanukovych’s appearance,” the politician noted.

• Viktor Yanukovych, the former Ukrainian president who escaped to Russia, insisted that European partners acted arrogantly toward him while negotiating Ukraine's entry into the EU.