Ukraine looks to the west as Yushchenko is sworn in

VIKTOR Yushchenko will be sworn in as Ukraine’s president on Sunday, ending weeks of political turmoil and setting the stage for the former Soviet state to ease its way out of Russia’s sphere of influence.

Mr Yushchenko, whose poll victory was finally confirmed yesterday by the Supreme Court, says he wants to move Ukraine closer to Europe while maintaining traditional links with Russia. He plans high- profile visits next week to Moscow and western and central Europe.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, sent his first congratulations to Mr Yushchenko yesterday, nearly a month after the 26 December election.

Viktor Yanukovich, Ukraine’s defeated candidate, said yesterday he would continue his opposition to Mr Yushchenko. But he called on his supporters to tear down the small protest camps they had set up.