Ukraine leader tilts toward Russia

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich (L) gives a wink to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a signing ceremony after a meeting of the Russian-Ukrainian Interstate Commission at the Kremlin in Moscow in this Dec 17, 2013 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

KIEV, Ukraine - Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovch has warned foreign governments against meddling in the country's internal affairs, in an apparent swipe at the West.

Speaking in a televised interview Thursday, Yanukovych said it was unacceptable "for someone to be coming here and to teaching us how to live."

The comments were apparently aimed at top Western diplomats who have recently visited and expressed support for the massive anti-government demonstrations that have rocked Kiev for nearly a month.

He also said that the Cabinet is analyzing which parts of the Moscow-led customs union Ukraine should join.

Yanukovych's statement was likely to anger thousands of protesters who have barricaded themselves in the capital over the past month. They want Yanukovych to reverse his pro-Moscow course and turn back toward integration with the European Union.

Yanukovych's comments came two days after Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a major bailout package for Ukraine. The deal includes a purchase of $15 billion in Ukrainian bonds and a sharp discount for Russian natural gas.

The Moscow accords were condemned by the opposition as betrayal of national interests.