Ukrainian President Vows Swift End To Political Crisis

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has tried to reassure the European Union that Kyiv will soon overcome its worst political crisis in two years.

“I hope that by the end of the month, we will find a solution,” Poroshenko told reporters in Brussels on March 17 alongside European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

“There will be no early parliamentary elections and the political coalition will remain, will be responsible, orientated on reforms," he added.

Ukraine’s ruling coalition has collapsed over efforts to stamp out corruption, but Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk refuses to step down after he survived a no-confidence vote last month, triggered by Poroshenko’s party.

Western donors, including the EU and the United States, are urging Kyiv's leaders to remain unified to pass reforms needed to secure a further $1.7 billion in aid from the International Monetary Fund.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax