Yanukovych wants referendums across Ukraine

Mr Yanukovych, who fled to Russia last month after anti-government protests, wants the vote rather than the planned elections on 25 May.

He said: “As a president who is with you with all my thoughts and soul, I urge every sensible citizen of Ukraine: don’t give in to imposters.

“Demand a referendum on the status of each region within Ukraine.

“Only an all-Ukrainian referendum, not a snap presidential election, can, in a significant way, stabilise the political situation and preserve sovereignty and Ukraine’s (territorial) integrity.”

‘Russia wants Ukraine’s regions to have more powers’

It is Mr Yanukovych’s first speech since the Crimean region voted earlier this month to join Russia.

Authorities in Kiev and its western allies claim the referendum went against Ukraine’s constitution and was hastily arranged with, they allege, Russian involvement.

The Russian government wants Ukraine’s new government in Kiev to allow new laws that give regions more powers. The Kremlin claims Ukraine’s new government came to power illegally.

Many eastern Russian-speaking regions are sceptical about the policies of Ukraine’s government headed by interim President Olexander Turchynov.

‘Tensions remain high between Ukraine and Russia’

Ukraine remains deeply divided following months of protests over Mr Yanukovych failing to sign a trade deal with the European Union.

The clashes between protesters and police have led to more than 100 deaths.

Tensions remain high after Ukraine accused Russia of an armed invasion by sending military forces from their naval bases to occupy key points in Crimea.

The takeover of Crimea has led to a number of EU and US sanctions against Russian politicians including asset freezes and travel bans.