Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko...

Strong backing for Tymoshenko in traditionally nationalist western areas of the country will not outweigh support for Yanukovych in predominantly Russian-speaking eastern and southern parts of the country, Research&Branding Group reported on Thursday.

Yanukovych won the first round of Ukraine"s presidential elections on January 17, and faces runner-up Tymoshenko in the second round on February 7.

According to the survey, Tymoshenko is ahead in western Ukraine with the support of 60.6% of voters, but in the central Ukraine she has 42% and only 11.9% in the southeast.

Yanukovych is polling at 14.2% in the west, 29.3% in central Ukraine and 69.2% in the southeast, giving him 44.9% nationwide, against 31.6% for Tymoshenko.

The poll was carried out on January 19-25 among 3,108 respondents in 24 populated areas of Ukraine.

Tymoshenko last week accused Yanukovych of attempting to secure victory in the second round by bribing losing candidates from

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