Russia buys $3 billion worth Ukrainian bonds following last week's landmark deal

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, center, speaks during a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, right, and Ukrainian parliament speaker Volodymyr Rybak, left, in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/ Andrei Mosienko, Pool) (The Associated Press)

A man plays accordion during a Pro-European Union rally in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. Ukraine has been stricken with mass protests for over a month. Protesters are demanding President Viktor Yanukovych's resignation over his decision to ditch a pact with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov) (The Associated Press)

MOSCOW – Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says Russia has bought $3 billion worth of Ukrainian bonds in a bid to support its neighbor's economy.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has faced daily protests against his decision to drop a landmark deal with the European Union last month. That angered many Ukrainians who want closer ties with the EU.

Yanukovych last week secured a bailout package from Russia as the Kremlin promised to slash gas prices for Ukraine and buy $15 billion worth of Ukrainian government bonds. The opposition says the agreements are a sell-out.

Medvedev said Tuesday Russia bought the first batch of bonds on Monday. He did not indicate, however, when Russia was going to buy more Ukrainian debt.

Russia has denied allegations that it was buying Ukraine's loyalties with the bailout.