"D.A. Medvedev congratulated V.F. Yanukovych on the conclusion of the election campaign, which was highly rated by international observers, and on the success achieved in the presidential elections," the Kremlin said. MOSCOW, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Feb. 9 congratulated Victor Yanukovych on his success in the presidential election in Ukraine, the Kremlin said in a statement.

"D.A. Medvedev congratulated V.F. Yanukovych on the conclusion of the election campaign, which was highly rated by international observers, and on the success achieved in the presidential elections," the Kremlin said.

The Kremlin said Medvedev spoke to Yanukovych by telephone.

Yanukovych has claimed victory in the election but his rival, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, has so far refused to concede defeat.

A local newspaper quoted Tymoshenko as saying she "will never recognise" Yanukovych's victory in Sunday's election.