ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (AFP) - Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Tuesday said that he remained Ukraine's legitimate president and commander-in-chief, saying he believed he would be able to return to Kiev soon.

"I remain not just the sole legitimate president of Ukraine but also commander-in-chief," he said in his first public appearance in a week in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

"As soon as the circumstances allow - and I am sure there is not long to wait - I will without doubt return to Kiev."