KIEV, June 7 – Deputy Prime Minister Serhiy Tyhypko on Tuesday denied speculation that he may be soon appointed to replace Prime Minister Mykola Azarov following their recent clash over lending from the International Monetary Fund.

Tyhypko admitted he had a strong “ambition” to become prime minister, but added he thought it was “unrealistic” to get the nomination now.

Speculation mounted that Tyhypko may get the nomination after he had openly clashed with Azarov on the need to resume the borrowing from IMF.