KIEV, April 23 - The government’s plan to skip natural gas price hikes for households this year is a “big mistake” that will be opposed by the International Monetary Fund, Ihor Umanskiy, a former finance minister, said Friday.

Umanskiy reacted to comments by President Viktor Yanukovych that the government will not be hiking gas prices now that Russia has agreed to provide a 30% gas price discount.

KIEV, April 23 - President Viktor Yanukovych on Friday submitted for ratification by Parliament a natural gas agreement with Russia that provides a 30% price discount in exchange for extending stationing of Russian navy in Ukraine.

KIEV, April 25 – Thousands of people from western regions of Ukraine are expected to flock to Kiev on Tuesday for protests following President Viktor Yanukovych’s agreement to extend stationing of the Russian navy in Crimea.

KIEV, April 25 ??“ The Justice Ministry on Wednesday prevented a team of security service agents from getting access to information data that would shed light on alleged corruption at the Constitutional Court.

KIEV, April 25 ??“ President Viktor Yushchenko on Wednesday postponed the date for early election until June 24 in a move that may appear to be a turning point in his power struggle with the pro-Russian government coalition.

KIEV, April 25 - The construction of a new cover over the reactor of the destroyed Chornobyl nuclear power plant will start this summer, President Viktor Yushchenko said.

KIEV, April 25 ??“ President Viktor Yushchenko is determined to dismiss the newly elected Parliament if parties fail to create the majority coalition, Oleh Rybachuk, Yushchenko??™s chief of staff, said Tuesday.

KIEV, April 25 ??“ The U.S. will seek support from its allies on Thursday for a plan that would ensure Ukraine??™s quick accession to NATO, the Financial Times reported Tuesday citing a senior NATO diplomat.

KIEV, April 25 ??“ Ukraine??™s sovereign debt prices fell on Tuesday after Fitch Ratings agency had downgraded Naftogaz Ukrayiny, the country??™s largest oil and gas company, following reports of a looming financial crunch.

KIEV, April 23 ??“ The government prevailed in a legal battle with the country??™s two richest businessmen, Viktor Pinchuk and Rinat Akhmetov, insisting the two have last year purchased Kryvorizhstal, the country??™s largest steelmaker, at a fixed tender.