Russian President Vladimir Putin directed his government to continue trade and economic relations with Ukraine following the ouster of its pro-Russian president, the Kremlin said Friday. Putin also said Russia would consult with the International Monetary Fund and the G8 on organizing financial assistance for Ukraine, the Kremlin said. Putin's orders come at a delicate time as ousted former president Viktor Yanukovych, a close ally of Putin, prepares to break silence and speak later Friday at a news conference. Yanukovych fled Kiev on Saturday after losing a three-month standoff with protesters who opposed his rejection of deals with the European Union in favor of closer ties to Moscow.
