Ukrainian presidential frontrunner says democratic change was not worth the price of order

Ukraine frontrunner says democracy not worth it

KIEV, Ukraine — The pro-Russian frontrunner in Ukraine’s presidential elections says the rise of democracy since the 2004 Orange Revolution has not been worth it.

Viktor Yanukovych tells The Associated Press that the victory of his rivals led to political chaos and deepened animosity between the east and west of the country.

He says his first priority if elected president next month will be to end the “forced Ukrainization” of his Russian-speaking supporters by reviving the use of the Russian language, one of the most divisive issues in the race.

He says he will also restore damaged ties with Russia by supporting Kremlin initiatives in security and trade, while doing his best to speed Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization.