Relations with Russia to be priority for Ukraine - Yanukovych

The apparent winner of Ukraine's presidential election said on Wednesday he would prioritize relations with Russia and other former Soviet states as president.

The apparent winner of Ukraine's presidential election said on Wednesday he would prioritize relations with Russia and other former Soviet states as president.

"Relations with Russia and the CIS will be a priority for us. Our countries are closely tied by economy, history and culture," Viktor Yanukovych said in a statement.

Ukrainian election officials announced on Wednesday that preliminary results showed the Party of Regions leader had won Sunday's runoff vote against Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko with 48.95% of the vote.

KIEV, February 10 (RIA Novosti)