Successive Ukrainian governments in the 2000s , including that of Yanukovich , sought Getting a closer relationship Forming_relationships with the European Union ( EU ) .

On the same day , the parliament declared Expressing_publicly that Yanukovich was relieved Process_end of duty in a 328-to-0 vote .

Yanukovich said Statement that this vote was illegal Legality and possibly coerced , and asked Request Russian Federation for assistance Assistance .

Widespread protests against the revolution occurred Presence in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine , where Yanukovich received Receiving particularly strong support Supporting in the 2010 presidential election Change_of_leadership .