KIEV, Feb. 18 – It is possible to extend the terms of operation of Ukrainian nuclear reactors under a new technological policy, President Viktor Yushchenko said.

"In order to ensure the effective operation of nuclear power generation, as well as the formation of an effective security policy and timely modernization, we raise the question of extending the terms of operation of [Ukraine's] nuclear reactors.

KIEV, Feb. 18 – President Viktor Yushchenko said he is anxious that Ukraine may not receive the second tranche of a multi-billion dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund.

He voiced his concerns at a meeting with the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Thomas Mirow, in Kiev on Wednesday.

KIEV, Feb. 18 - Ukraine’s economy may further deteriorate this year due to the natural gas agreement signed with Russia on Jan. 19, a top Ukrainian security official said Wednesday.

Raisa Bohatyriova, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, criticized Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko for negotiating the agreement.

KIEV, Feb. 18 – Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is preparing for a “radical” reshuffle of the government within days to remove ministers that are loyal to President Viktor Yushchenko, a Tymoshenko lawmaker said Wednesday.

KIEV, Feb. 18 – Tensions between Russia and Ukraine rose after Kiev warned Moscow it may expel Russian Ambassador Viktor Chernomyrdin for making rude and undiplomatic comments in a recent newspaper interview.

PARIS, Feb. 18 - The EU and Ukraine began free-trade talks on Monday that should lead to increased trade.

EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson and President Viktor Yushchenko launched negotiations for a free trade agreement between the EU and Ukraine less than two weeks after the finalization of Ukraine’s World Trade Organization accession process on Feb. 5.

KIEV, Feb. 18 – President Viktor Yushchenko on Monday harshly criticized the Internal Affairs Ministry for slow progress in combating corruption and demanded the immediate resignation of three senior traffic police officials.

KIEV, Feb. 18 – President Viktor Yushchenko on Monday appointed political leaders to the National Constitutional Council, a panel he created for re-writing Ukraine’s constitution before the end of the year.

KIEV, Feb. 18 – Opposition groups led by the Regions Party rejected a plan for reconciliation in Parliament, setting the stage for prolonged political crisis in Ukraine, Parliament Speaker Arseniy Yatseniuk said Monday.

KIEV, Feb. 18 – The dismantling of the non-completed trade center near the Olimpiysky National Sports Complex will start soon, said first deputy head of Kiev City state administration, Anatoliy Holubchenko.