Leonid Kuchma

"If we really want to preserve peace and agreement in Ukraine, and really want to build a legitimate democratic society that we so often talk about . . . then let's hold a new election," Kuchma said.

Viktor Yanukovych

His comments, made after talks with leaders of Russian-speaking regions in the east of Ukraine that have threatened to break away from the rest of the country, marked a critical development in the crisis that has rocked the country since a presidential election Nov. 21.

Viktor Yushchenko

Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine's pro-Russian prime minister and Kuchma's preferred successor, was declared the official winner of that ballot. But Viktor Yushchenko, his chief rival who wants closer bonds with the West, charged that the election was rigged and has demanded a new vote be held.

The political crisis took an alarming turn when authorities in Russian-speaking parts of east and south Ukraine that hold nearly two-thirds of the country's population of 48 million began laying plans for referendums on granting themselves greater autonomy, effectively a first step toward partition of the country.

The Japan Times Weekly: Dec. 4, 2004
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