KIEV, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine, the second-largest country in mainland Europe after Russia, is in the depths of winter these days. Yet, Ukrainians ventured out to cast their ballots in a presidential election crucial to the country's future.

    The ex-Soviet republic of 46 million people has been plagued by political turmoil since the 2004 "Orange Revolution." Mihail, a 60-year-old man, told Xinhua the political turbulence has cast a shadow over people's lives in recent years, particularly amidst the global economic crisis.

    "I hope the new president will lead the country out of the economic downturn. I am looking forward to a better life," Mihail said after voting at a polling station in downtown Kiev, where other enthusiastic voters also expressed their hope that the country will move forward to stability and prosperity following Sunday's election.

    An old woman who went to the polls together with her grandson said she voted for a new star in anticipation that Ukraine will achieve stability and development. "I voted so that my grandchildren will be able to learn at school, to learn music," she said with her eyes red, but declined to give the candidate's name.

    "People care about their own lives. Only when the economy emerges from the recession, our country will face a bright future," said Tanya, a well-educated woman in her 30s. "Hopefully we will have election results that are in line with our aspirations."

    Opposition leader Viktor Yanukovich, a 59-year-old career politician backed by Ukraine's industrial oligarchs, has consistently led in opinion polls.

    "I have a feeling that Ukrainians hope for change, and a new stage for the country will soon begin," Yanukovich said after voting in the Ukrainian capital.

    Asked about his foreign policy priorities if elected, Yanukovich said he will work with the West, Russia and other countries.

    Labeled as a pro-Russian politician, Yanukovich said he will seek a balanced, mutually beneficial and friendly foreign policy, in contrast to Yushchenko's active pursuit of NATO membership and hostility toward Moscow.

    Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who came only second to Yanukovich in polls, is also expected to pass to a run-off scheduled for Feb. 7.

    Tymoshenko cast her ballot in the eastern industrial city of Dnipropetrovsk, her hometown. "Today's election is not only a presidential race but also an election for Ukraine's future for decades ahead," said Tymoshenko, dressed in a white coat.

    Tymoshenko's husband and their daughter accompanied her to the polling station. "This time our whole family arrived in the city where we were born and where we spent our youth. And today we are voting for the future of our Ukraine," she told reporters.

    Yushchenko, who swept to power in the "Orange Revolution," said he hoped to win Sunday's race, which, he claimed, will demonstrate that Ukraine is a European country.

    "I have no doubt that Ukraine will again demonstrate that it is a European democratic country with a free nation, free people and free choice," Yushchenko said as he voted in Kiev.

    Asked what he would do if he is not to be re-elected, Yushchenko said: "I will be." Opinion polls, however, show that the West-leaning president has little chance of winning a second term in office.

    Some 36 million Ukrainians are eligible to vote Sunday at 33,000 polling stations, which are to be closed 8 p.m. (1800 GMT).

    "I have made my choice, and will wait for the results patiently. It seems that we will only know who wins after a second round," Nicolai, a male voter, said as he tapped a Xinhua correspondent on the shoulder.