KIEV, Aug. 27 – Opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych predicted on Thursday that he would win the next presidential election in January and promised to make improving ties with Russia a priority.

Buoyed by a pledge of support from one of Ukraine's richest men for his campaign for the January 17 election, Yanukovych said he and his Regions Party would end economic "chaos" and bring greater stability to push through reform.

"We have faith in the wisdom of the Ukrainian nation and we will win. The question is only whether (we will win) in the first round or the second," Yanukovych said at a press conference, Reuters reported.

Russia accused Kiev of trying to seize property belonging to its fleet at the southern port of Sevastopol on Thursday, in a typical incident that reflects rising tensions ahead of the election.

Yanukovych was the Moscow-backed candidate in a 2004 election battle with President Viktor Yushchenko which triggered mass protests and a pro-Western policy shift. He has about 25% support in opinion polls.

His main rival, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, has about 15%. Support for Yushchenko, who beat Yanukovych in a re-run vote in 2004, is down in single digits.

Relations with Russia, which supplies most of Ukraine's gas and maintains a naval base on the Black Sea, are critical to stability. Moscow wants Ukraine back in its sphere of influence and to extend Russian business interests there.

"The task is how to re-establish relations with Russia based on equal partnership," Yanukovych said. "We have to radically change relations with Russia. There is a will for this in the Ukrainian people."

Yushchenko's determination to secure NATO membership for his country has been a major source of irritation for Russia and has found limited broad support inside Ukraine itself.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has written off relations with Yushchenko, accusing him of pursuing anti-Russian policies.

Analysts see signs that Moscow may this time favor a victory by Prime Minister Tymoshenko, a more pragmatic candidate than Yanukovych, with whom it can deal more easily.

Official campaigning for the poll begins in mid-October. The outcome will depend to a great extent on how influential post-Soviet oligarchs line up behind respective candidates. (rt/ez)