Government's decisions should be based on Ukraine's national interests - Yanukovych

All decisions of the government, notably those related to foreign policy, have to be based on Ukraine's national interests, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said.

"The key factor is our Ukrainian interests. We always take as basis Ukraine's interests only, the national interests, while making any decisions," Yanukovych said in an interview with Ukrainian TV journalists part of which was shown on the 1+1 Channel on Tuesday.

The head of state stressed that Ukraine should support mutually beneficial relations with its foreign partners.

"We have to be strong. Only then they will treat us as partners, equal partners. I think that we don't have to act like 'poor relatives' with hat in hand," Yanukovych said.

"I don't want and I won't let anyone humiliate Ukraine, as long as I lead this country," the president said.