Both Aksyonov and speaker Vladimir Konstantinov stated that they viewed Viktor Yanukovych as the de jure president of Ukraine, through whom they were able to ask Russia for assistance.
Baik Aksyonov maupun ketua parlemen, Vladimir Konstantinov, menyatakan bahwa mereka menganggap Viktor Yanukovych sebagai presiden Ukraina secara de jure, dan mereka bisa meminta bantuan Rusia melaluinya.