Yanukovich has also been a central figure in Ukraine�s tilt towards Russia, and the Kremlin reportedly has used its influence to help bankroll his presidential campaign. Some experts believe that, like Kuchma, Russia is exploiting Yanukovich�s troubled past � specifically the fact that Yanukovich served time in jail as a young man for robbery and assault. There is speculation in both Moscow and Kyiv that Russian officials may possess more "compromat," or embarrassing information, on Yanukovich that they could use in the future to coerce him. In Moscow, observers already characterize the potential relationship between Putin and Yanukovich as that of a security services case officer handling an "asset." A Kremlin source indicated that Putin, a former KGB agent, is personally disdainful of Yanukovich�s unsavory past. Nevertheless, the Putin administration badly wants Yanukovich to be elected, as it would likely cement Ukraine in a position of dependency regarding Russia.
Ariel Cohen, Russia's gravitational pull in Eurasia stands to strengthen after Ukraine election, EurAsia. Eurasia Insight
www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav111004.shtml
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