KIEV, Jan. 14 – Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on Sunday defended her plan for massive repayment of Soviet-era failed bank deposits against allegations that the action may spur inflation in Ukraine.

KIEV, Jan. 14 – Vitaliy Hayduk, the billionaire owner of a steel empire, was nominated on Monday by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko as Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for industry and energy, First Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchynov said.

KIEV, Jan. 12 ??“ Ukraine will suggest holding an energy forum among the Commonwealth of Independent States later this year to prevent disputes disrupting supplies of energy resources, an aide to President Viktor Yushchenko said Friday.

KIEV, Jan. 12 - Ukraine's government commission on Friday failed to approve a draft production sharing agreement with Vanco Energy, a U.S. independent oil company, over exploration and development of an area offshore the Black Sea.

KIEV, Jan. 12 ??“ President Viktor Yushchenko on Friday suspended the government??™s resolution appointing a former controversial police chief, Serhiy Popkov, as deputy internal affairs minister, Yushchenko??™s press service reported.

MINSK, Jan. 14 ??“ Russia on Friday agreed to lower its duty on exports of crude oil to Belarus easing a sharp confrontation between the two that had recently disrupted European oil supplies.

KIEV, Jan. 14 ??“ Ukraine moved a step closer to the constitutional crisis on Friday when Parliament had overwhelmingly voted to approve a law that dramatically reduces powers of the president.

KIEV, Jan. 14 ??“ Parliament may cancel its no-confidence vote in the government if President accepts resignation of several undisclosed officials, Parliamentary Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn said.

KIEV, Jan. 14 ??“ Russia reinforced security at its Black Sea Naval Fleet facilities in Crimea Friday after Ukrainian personnel had taken control over a key navigation station that had been under Russian control for a decade.

KIEV, Jan. 14 ??“ President Viktor Yushchenko said Saturday Ukraine should reduce consumption of natural gas by 34% over the next five years to avoid heavy dependence on expensive gas imports.