Ukraine to remain European, says Yanukovych

Ukraine's new president, Viktor Yanukovych, defied expectations of a pro-Russia alliance by insisting in his inauguration speech on Thursday that Ukraine should be a European, non-aligned state.

Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych arrives at his office after the inauguration ceremony in Kiev, 25 February 2010. Reuters

"I vow to defend through my actions the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and the rights and freedoms of its citizens," pledged Yanukovych at his inauguration ceremony in the Ukrainian parliament, which was attended by a host of foreign dignitaries.

"The challenges that the international community faces mean we have to join together in a larger format. We are ready to participate in this process as a European, non-aligned state," he went on to say.

The statement is an indication that the new president will not seek membership either of Nato or of Russian-led military alliances.

Many observers had expected Yanukovych to immediately begin reversing the pro-Western policies of outgoing President Viktor Yushchenko and resume Ukraine's former close alliance with Russia.

In a sign that he will continue to prioritise integration in the European Union, Yanukovych has chosen the EU's headquarters in Brussels for his first foreign visit on Monday, before he heads to Moscow.