That concludes our live-blogging of the Ukraine crisis for Thursday, March 24. Check back here tomorrow for more of our continuing coverage.
Ukrainian Parliamentary Speaker Says Ready To Be Prime Minister
Ukrainian parliamentary speaker Volodymyr Hroysman says he is ready to become prime minister if asked.
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 the party of President Petro Poroshenko.
On March 23, Poroshenko urged parliament to approve a new cabinet next week to end the political crisis.
Hroysman told reporters on March 24 that he would adhere to reform promises made to the International Monetary Fund and the European Union if appointed prime minister by lawmakers.
Ukraine's U.S.-born Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko said on March 22 that she was ready to serve as prime minister as well, but under strict conditions.
Analysts say Hroysman would likely gather enough support for his bid in parliament, unlike Jaresko.
Western donors, including the EU and the United States, have urged 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
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