KIEV, June 11 -- Ukraine counts on significant returns from its participation in the development of the technical and economic infrastructure in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mykola Azarov said.

KIEV, June 12 ??“ In a sign that political standoff in Ukraine was not over, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych admitted Tuesday that it was not certain that early election would take place on Sept. 30.

KIEV, June 12 ??“ Ukraine should speed up its accession to NATO to improve its national security in reaction to a growing confrontation between Russia and the West, President Viktor Yushchenko said.

KIEV, June 9 - Vocal anti-NATO protests in Crimea over the past two weeks have been well-coordinated to challenge the central government in Ukraine, a top security advisor to President Viktor Yushchenko said Friday.

KIEV, June 9 - Ukraine has been working on setting up special measuring stations across the country to monitor quality of natural gas that is supplied from Russia, Economy Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk said.

KIEV, June 12 - Talks to form the new government in Ukraine were in a deadlock Monday as the Socialist Party had been pressing with an ultimatum seeking to take the post of the Parliamentary Speaker.

KIEV, June 11 - U.S. Marine reservists left Crimea, Ukraine??™s autonomous region, on Monday following two weeks of charged protests that prevented them from carrying out repair works at a Ukrainian training base, officials said.

KIEV, June 9 ??“ A proposed coalition between the parties of President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn would win an outright majority at a general election, opinion poll data show.

KIEV, June 9 ??“ President Viktor Yushchenko on Thursday sought to revive Russia??™s sagging interest in a natural gas pipeline joint venture with Ukraine by suggesting a strategic gas pipeline project spanning the continent.

KIEV, June 9 ??“ Russia has put further pressure on Ukraine Thursday by calling for a steep natural gas price hike next year, adding that Ukraine should respond to the demand within two weeks.