KYIV, Feb 22 – Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov has called for the unity of government, business community and the people of Ukraine after announcing that his company SCM has paid UAH 1 billion in taxes in advance.

"I have repeatedly said and repeat again that our common goal is a strong, peaceful, independent, integral Ukraine within the borders recognized by international law. Everyone in his area must do everything to strengthen the country," he told Interfax- Ukraine on Tuesday.