Ukraine will not choose in favor of one particular collective security system, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said on Thursday.

Unlike his predecessor Viktor Yushenko, who sought to improve ties with America and join NATO, Yanukovych is expected to abandon pro-Western policy in Ukraine.

"Today Ukraine should not make a choice between one of the systems of collective security, which operate in the continent," he said.

"A move in either direction would endanger our national defense and would strain our foreign relations. This would escalate the political and social tension we have seen in recent years, and could tip the balance of power in Europe."

He said that for the moment Ukraine will seek good relations with all international blocs of collective defense without joining them.

KIEV, March 25 (RIA Novosti)