18/02/2014 10:43
Ukraine crisis: Russia to release new $2bn tranche
Russia will provide Ukraine with a new $2bn (£1.2bn) tranche of aid "this week", Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has said, according to the BBC.
In December, Moscow pledged $15bn to back Ukraine's struggling economy, but so far only $3bn has been transferred.
Russia had hinted it would freeze the aid until a new government is formed after Ukraine's PM quit last month.
The new tranche is seen as a boost to embattled President Viktor Yanukovych, who is facing mass protests.
In a separate development, Ukraine's opposition is planning to press for a vote in parliament on the return to the country's 2004 constitution - a move which would limit Mr Yanukovych's powers and could lead to snap presidential elections.
The opposition is also calling for a big rally outside the parliament building in the capital Kiev.
However, pro-presidential MPs - who have a majority - are expected to block any attempt to weaken Mr Yanukovych's powers.
Ukraine's unrest began in November, when Mr Yanukovych backed away from a landmark association and free trade deal with the European Union, and instead agreed the loan with Russia.
Moscow wants Ukraine to join the Russia-led Customs Union, where Belarus and Kazakhstan are also members.
Both the EU and Russia have accused each other of interfering into Ukraine's affairs.