Ukraine's Ex-President Denies Contacts With Putin's Aide During Maidan

Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said Monday he had not met or spoken by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin's aide Vladislav Surkov during the 2014 Maidan uprising.

KIEV (Sputnik) — Yanukovych is giving testimony via a video conference on Monday in the case launched over the Maidan riots.

"I did not meet with Surkov a single time," the former Ukrainian president said. He also gave a negative answer to the question whether he had had phone talks with Surkov.

Former Ukraine Security Service head Valentyn Nalyvaichenko has repeatedly claimed that Surkov was present in Kiev during the Maidan events.

In 2013-2014, Maidan witnessed months of protests sparked by then President Viktor Yanukovych's announcement to reject the Ukraine–EU Association Agreement over unfavorable terms.

In February 2014, violent clashes with law enforcement officials broke out in the square, claiming the lives of some 100 civilians. The current Ukrainian authorities blame Yanukovych and the Berkut special forces for the deaths on Maidan.