KIEV, Sept. 17 – President Viktor Yushchenko accused Russia of trying to destabilize Ukraine by encouraging separatists in Crimea, but said Ukraine was too strong to face a Georgia-like invasion.

Russia's war with Georgia last month rattled Yushchenko's pro-Western government, which like Georgia has pushed for membership in NATO and the European Union. But many wonder whether Ukraine will be the next victim of Russia's drive to stop NATO's expansion to its borders.