KYIV. Feb 23 (Interfax) - Former speaker of Verkhovna Rada Volodymyr Rybak has said that there was no attempt on his life contrary to the claims of President Viktor Yanukovych.

In a video address uploaded on YouTube on Sunday he said he had been told about an alleged attempt on his life.

"That is absurd. That is an invention. In all my life I don't remember anyone trying to hit me or do anything else. Nothing even close to that. I am standing here in front of your absolutely safe and sound," he said.

Earlier reports said that on Saturday Yanukovych announced that Rybak who had submitted his resignation from the post of speaker was beaten. "He was beaten up yesterday. He came to me. There was shooting on the way. He asked me to take him away. I took him and sent to Donetsk for treatment," Yanukovych said in an interview with UBR channel.

Rybak also said he intends to be back in a few days and work as a deputy.

"Yesterday I came to Donetsk. My doctor advised me to get some treatment because of high blood pressure