NEWS ITEM: President Viktor Yanukovych and his Party of Regions put up posters congratulating Ukrainians on Constitution Day on June 28. The ruling party and its chief, however, have trampled on the constitution several times since Yanukovych took office in 2010. First, it formed a majority in parliament by persuading lawmakers to switch allegiance, which was then banned by the constitution. Second, Yanukovych signed a deal to extend the basing of Russia's Black Sea Fleet on Ukrainian territory. The constitution forbids foreign military bases on Ukrainian soil. Third, the Constitutional Court ruled 2004 constitutional changes invalid, handing Yanukovych more powers.
Photo
EXCLUSIVE
