REUTERS

"I have had a conversation with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin on this subject. One may regard it as his position as a person, as a citizen of Russia and a patriot. It makes no difference here whether I agree or disagree with it. It is worthy of respect," he said at a press conference in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on Friday, November 25.

Read alsoYanukovych admits he asked Putin to send troops to Ukraine"But what is my take on the situation around Crimea: Is it good or bad that Crimea is no longer part of Ukraine? It's no good. I think it's bad," he added.