Report: Yanukovich Surfaces in Russia

Where in the world is Viktor Yanukovich? In Russia, if what the AP describes as a "respected Russian news organization" is to be believed. AP reports by way of RBK that the ousted leader is holed up just outside Moscow in the Barvikha sanatorium, which is run by the presidential administration's property department—and that he still believes himself to be president. In a statement sent to Russian news agencies today, Reuters reports that he wrote, "As before I still consider myself to be the lawful head of the Ukrainian state, chosen freely by the will of the Ukrainian people."

"I have to ask Russia to ensure my personal safety from extremists," Yanukovych added. It was followed shortly thereafter by this quote from an unnamed Russian official: Yanukovich's request for protection "was satisfied on the territory of Russia." A rep for Vladimir Putin denied any knowledge of Yanukovich's whereabouts. In the statement, Yanukovich added that "the decisions being taken by parliament are illegal, they are being taken when many members of the Party of the Regions are absent"—no word on whether the body's latest decision is included in that: Arseniy Yatsenyuk has been approved as new prime minister; the AP notes he was approved by 371 votes in the 450-member parliament. (More Ukraine stories.)