Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovych kneels down to his supporters, expressing his gratitude, in his eastern bastion of Donetsk, Jan. 20. Yanukovych admitted his defeat in a speech on state television. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated pro-Western Viktor Yushchenko on his election as Ukraine's new president, as former prime minister Viktor Yanukovych grudgingly admitted his defeat.

"The electoral campaign has ended," Yanukovych said from his eastern bastion of Donetsk in televised comments, after the Supreme Court rejected his appeal over the election results earlier on Thursday.

"We have to respect the decision by the Supreme Court," he said."We will try and contest this decision in international institutions, but we have to understand that Europe will not defend our choice."

The Supreme Court handed down a verdict against Yanukovych, saying his complaints that the Dec. 26 rerun was marred by fraud was not vindicated.

"The court has concluded that the complaint should not be granted," chief presiding justice Anatoly Yarema read the court's decision, noting "the decision is final and cannot be appealed."

With Yushchenko's win confirmed, Russian President Putin congratulated him and urged continued close cooperation between the two traditional allies.

"The development of good neighborly and equal relations with Ukraine is among the most important national priorities of Russia," said Putin in a message.

"I am sure that consistency in expanding strategic partnership fully meets the long-term interests of our peoples," said Putin who had openly backed Yanukovych.

Putin also emphasized the special significance of "continuing Russia's and Ukraine's participation in building a common economic space and in the work of the Commonwealth of Independent States."

"Efficient joint work within these integration alliances is designed to open new opportunities for our citizens and to promotebusiness, scientific, and humanitarian cooperation," said Putin.

Hours after the Supreme Court ruling confirmed Yushchenko's victory, Ukraine's parliament set Sunday as the date for his inauguration.

Colin Powell, who left his post as US secretary of state on Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and othertop European Union (EU) and NATO officials are expected to attend Yushchenko's inauguration ceremony, officials said.

Immediately after his inauguration, Yushchenko will make a working visit to Russia. Later in the week, the new president willvisit Western and Central Europe, according to Yushchenko's spokeswoman.

Yushchenko's top aide Oleh Rybachuk said the new president plans to appear before the European Parliament to present plans for Ukraine's entry into the EU.

"The newly elected president has a five-year plan of action which will bring Ukraine and the EU closer," he said, adding that a full-fledged membership in the EU has been and remains a strategic goal. Enditem