MOSCOW, December 24 (Associated Press) - Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says Russia has bought $3 billion worth of Ukrainian bonds in a bid to support its neighbor's economy.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has faced daily protests against his decision to drop a landmark deal with the European Union last month. That angered many Ukrainians who want closer ties with the EU.
Yanukovych last week secured a bailout package from Russia as the Kremlin promised to slash gas prices for Ukraine and buy $15 billion worth of Ukrainian government bonds.
The opposition says the agreements are a sell-out. Medvedev said Tuesday Russia bought the first batch of bonds on Monday. He did not indicate, however, when Russia was going to buy more Ukrainian debt. Russia has denied allegations that it was buying Ukraine's loyalties with the bailout.
