You're reading: Yanukovych sends birthday greeting to Ukraine’s first president Kravchuk

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has congratulated the first president of independent Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk, on the occasion of his birthday.

"I wish you and your family good health, prosperity, a long and happy life and new achievements in your service to the Ukrainian people. Good luck in all your good work and undertakings," reads the president’s greeting, which was posted on his Web site on Tuesday.

Kravchuk turns 78 on Jan. 10. He was Ukraine’s president in 1991-1994. Kravchuk has also been a member of Ukraine’s parliament.