Russian PM questions legitimacy of new Ukrainian authorities

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Monday questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine's new authorities after the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych. "Masked and armed people are not the partners for a dialogue," Interfax news agency cited Medvedev as saying. "We don't understand what's going on there. There is a real threat to our interests and safety of our citizens." The premier said Russia's ambassador had been recalled from Kiev "for consultations" over the "aggravation of situation in Ukraine." Medvedev also said he was not aware of the whereabouts of former Ukrainian prime minister Mykola Azarov, who the Ukrainian media claimed had fled to Russia after his resignation in late January. Meanwhile, Medvedev promised Russia would honor all agreements signed with Ukraine. "Those agreements which are legally binding must be honored. We are not cooperating with personalities or isolated individuals," he said. Calling Ukraine "an important partner," Medvedev stressed that gas contracts between the two countries had time limits and Moscow could reconsider them on consultations with the Ukrainian side. Russia agreed in December to cut the gas price for Kiev to 268.50 dollars per 1,000 cubic metres, from around 400 dollars which Ukraine had paid since 2009. An early presidential election was slated for May 25 after the country's parliament, Rada, ousted President Yanukovych following more than three months of violent protests.