Ukraine: Presidential car shot at, military does not intervene.

On February 22, the Russian news agency Interfax quoted Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Oleksander Turchynov as saying that President Viktor Yanukovich had attempted to board a plane to Russia but was prevented from doing so and is currently in the Donetsk region.

Mr. Yanukovych speaks on television in Kharkiv (Source: AFP/VNA)

Meanwhile, speaking from Kharkiv on February 22, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich said his car had been hit by gunfire, but images broadcast on television showed the president showed no signs of injury.

Speaking to UBR television, Yanukovich said: “My car was shot at, but I am not afraid, only saddened for my country.” President Yanukovich also called the opposition elements bandits terrorizing the country and announced that he would travel to southeastern Ukraine to meet with the people.

The interview was reportedly conducted in the northeastern city of Kharkiv in the eastern part of the country, a Russian-speaking region that supports Yanukovych's party.

On the same day, speaking after being released following a resolution passed by parliament, Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko thanked the protesters.

In a related development, just hours after police pledged their support for the people, the Ukrainian army on February 22 denied any involvement in the current political crisis in the country.

According to VNA