OREANDA-NEWS President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych supported the country's accession to the European Union, but was against NATO membership, so he was removed from power. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a speech at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club, broadcast on Rutube.

"A man who was in favor of joining the European Union, but was against Ukraine joining NATO, was removed from power," the Russian leader said.

He added that the conflict in Ukraine began precisely after the removal of Yanukovych from power.

During his speech, Putin also told the truth about the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. According to him, Moscow did not start the conflict in Ukraine, because it was forced to defend itself.