Fresh elections could plunge Ukraine into chaos and prolong its deepening political crisis.
Political leaders in Ukraine have been trying to form a government since parliamentary elections in March.
The nomination of Viktor Yanukovych, who heads the pro-Russian Party of Regions, is backed by a majority in parliament. But Yushchenko wants to ensure that any new government continues his pro-Western policies -- including Ukraine's bid to join NATO.
Marathon talks between Yushchenko and Yanukovych on August 1 failed to resolve their differences. But an official from the Party of Regions said today that they are close to a compromise on the NATO question.
(AP, Reuters)
The Key Players
BEHIND THE IMAGES: Click on the links below to read RFE/RL's profiles of some of the key players in Ukraine's March 26 legislative elections:
Click on the image for background and archived articles about Ukraine's March 26 elections.
Click on the image to see RFE/RL's coverage of the Ukrainian elections in Ukrainian.
Click on the image to view a photo gallery of some of the key players in the Ukrainian elections.