KIEV — Ukraine's finance minister resigned Wednesday as support for the government has fallen in the wake of a waning economy and the slow pace of reforms.
President Viktor Yanukovych accepted Fyodir Yaroshenko's resignation Wednesday. No reason was given for his departure from the job he held since early 2010.
Yanukovych's government finds itself in a difficult position after the International Monetary Fund froze a $15 billion loan over Kiev's refusal to raise household gas prices in order to cut government expenditures.
Yanukovych is reluctant to take the painful measure ahead of parliamentary elections later this year and is lobbying Moscow for cheaper gas.
A deal with Russia could allow Kiev to maintain domestic gas prices, but talks have stalled as Moscow seeks control over Ukraine's pipeline network in exchange for a discount.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
