Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said his country will never sacrifice its national interests for membership of international organizations, such as the newly created customs union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
"We have always had, and always will have, arguments with any country, especially Russia, about the defense of our national interests," Yanukovych told reporters in the coal mining town of Donetsk on Friday.
"We'll make no concessions to anyone at the expense of Ukraine's sovereignty," he said.
Ukraine is expecting to become associate member of the European Union, but has elicited criticism from Brussels for simultaneously seeking entry to the Russia-led customs union.
