KIEV, Jan. 24 – President Viktor Yanukovych, addressing a Kiev rally, called upon Ukraine "to move from a false choice between the various global centers of influence to the implementation of a balanced policy aimed at defending our national interests in relations with Ukraine's key international partners."

The head of state also said at a Saturday Ukrainian Unity Day gathering that the creation of conditions for Ukraine's full membership of the EU was a strategic objective in the country's foreign policy.