MOSCOW — According to a report of kyivpost.com of February 12, 2010, Russia's Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar expressed his hope that Viktor Yanukovych, who was announced the winner of the Ukrainian presidential election, will continue to defend tolerance and speak out against "aggressive nationalism" in Ukraine.

While congratulating Yanukovych for his win, Lazar said Yanukovych's position against "attempts to glorify people working for the Nazis" largely enabled Jewish communities in Ukraine "to develop dynamically, maintain their spirituality, and pass it on to the younger generation."

"I sincerely hope that now that you have been elected to this high state post your policy will be determining for the entire country," Lazar said in an interview to Interfax-Religion by Lazar's press service on Friday.

Lazar called Yanukovych "one of the most experienced politicians in Ukraine," who many hope will improve the situation in the country.