MOSCOW, February 27. /ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych will receive protection on the territory of Russia.

“Since president Yanukovych addressed the authorities of the Russian Federation asking to provide his personal protection, I inform you that this petition has been granted on the territory of the Russian Federation,” a source in Russian authorities told Itar-Tass on Thursday.

Yanukovych, as any compatriot and descendant of the USSR, can count on Russian protection, the chairman of Russian Duma commitee on work with compatriots Otari Arshba said Thursday.

"I perceive him (Yanukovych) as a compatriot," Arshba said. "Each Ukrainian citizen, that is a descendant of the USSR, like any other compatriot can count on Russia's support and loyalty, including matters of personal safety."