Today, Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov made a statement:

"The conflict situation that prevailed in the country, threatening the economic and social development of Ukraine, has a threat to the entire Ukrainian society and every citizen.

The Government during the confrontation did everything for the peaceful resolution of conflict. We have done and do everything to prevent bloodshed, escalating violence, violations of human rights. The Government provided the functioning of the economy and social security system in extreme conditions.

However, the sharpness and danger of the conflict for our citizens and for the future of Ukraine require additional critical steps.

In order to create additional opportunities for social and political compromise for the sake of a peaceful settlement of the conflict, I made a personal decision to ask the President of Ukraine to accept my resignation from the position of the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

During all these difficult years, I did everything to Ukraine could develop normally as a democratic European country. I made the decision and took the responsibility in the interest of the Ukrainians. So, I can honestly look into the eyes of every citizen of our country, each fellow countryman.

I’m grateful for the confidence of the President of Ukraine. I’m grateful to all MPs who supported all these years highly complex work of the Government to modernize and reform the country.

I’m grateful to all citizens of Ukraine who supported the Government and me personally; they believe and trust in the correctness of policy that we had held.

Today, the most important thing is to preserve the unity and integrity of Ukraine. It is much more important than anyone's personal plans or ambitions.

That's why I made this decision."

Government Portal