MOSCOW — On February 9, 2010, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill congratulated Viktor Yanukovych on being elected president of Ukraine reports TSN.

"I am cordially congratulating you on the victory in the presidential election. The people's confidence brings you a huge responsibility to God, the people, and history. You have enough experience and talents to justify this confidence," the patriarch's press service quoted him as saying on Tuesday.

According to the patriarch, Yanukovych will have "to put in great effort in order to resolve the problems facing the Ukrainian people and lead them to a decent and prosperous life."

The church primate urged citizens of the country to a preserve peaceful spirit, a spirit of fraternity, creativity, and “to act according to their Christian conscience.” “Let our joint prayer help our brothers and sisters overcome trials they have to face. However, the future of Ukraine mostly depends on its citizens. No other country has the right to tell you what to do and how to live,” the patriarch said in his message to Ukrainian people.

Earlier today, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Yanukovych in a telephone conversation.