Initially Russia opposed rescheduling the election because the Russian government considered the removal of then President Viktor Yanukovych illegal and his temporary successors an "illegitimate junta".As Ukrainian Election Looms, Western Powers and Russia Campaign for Influence, The New York Times (6 May 2014) But on 7 May 2014 Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the election would be a step "in the right direction" but that the vote would decide nothing unless the rights of "all citizens" were protected.Ukraine crisis: Russia's Putin 'backs 25 May election', BBC News (7 May 2014) At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on 23 May 2014, Putin appeared to further move away from Russia's initial position by announcing that Russia would respect the outcome of the elections in Ukraine and was ready to work with whoever won the presidency.Russia's Vladimir Putin 'to respect' Ukraine vote, BBC News (23 May)
