ISTANBUL, March 15 – There is no alternative to nuclear power for Ukraine, as well as for many other countries, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said.

"I believe that there is no possible alternative to the use of nuclear energy, and only rich countries can afford to discuss the possibility of closing [nuclear power plants]," he told reporters in Istanbul on Monday during his official visit to Turkey.

He noted that the issue of modernization of nuclear power units was a topical one for Ukraine.