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Ukraine PM hails 'historic' Russia aid deal Ukraine PM hails 'historic' Russia aid deal
(35 minutes later)
Ukraine has reached a "historic" deal with Russia that will help revive its economy, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said. A "historic" deal with Russia has helped Ukraine avoid bankruptcy and social collapse, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has told ministers in Kiev.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to buy $15bn (£9.2bn, 11bn euros) of Ukrainian government bonds and slash the price of Russian gas.Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to buy $15bn (£9.2bn, 11bn euros) of Ukrainian government bonds and slash the price of Russian gas.
Mr Azarov told a cabinet meeting that the package would protect the stability of Ukraine's finances.Mr Azarov told a cabinet meeting that the package would protect the stability of Ukraine's finances.
But the opposition has demanded to know what was offered to Russia in return.But the opposition has demanded to know what was offered to Russia in return.
The government's surprise U-turn on an EU association agreement deal last month sparked mass demonstrations.The government's surprise U-turn on an EU association agreement deal last month sparked mass demonstrations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticised the West on Wednesday for putting "overt pressure" on Ukraine to choose closer EU ties, and said the deal with Moscow was "mutually beneficial". 'Revival'
Mr Azarov defended the deal with Russia in a government meeting on Wednesday.
"What would have awaited Ukraine? The answer is clear - bankruptcy and social collapse," he said.
He hailed Tuesday's agreement between President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych as the only option for the country at a time of economic crisis.
"Yesterday was a historic event," Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Mr Azarov as saying.
He said an agreement to lower gas prices by about a third would allow for "a revival of economic growth".
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticised the West on Wednesday for exerting pressure on Ukraine to choose closer EU ties, and said the deal with Moscow was "mutually beneficial".
He told Russia's parliament he was "surprised by blatant attempts to exert overt pressure on the government of Ukraine, which continue despite the decisions that were taken yesterday in Moscow".
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian opposition leader, Vitali Klitschko, told pro-EU protesters in Kiev on Tuesday that Mr Yanukovych was betraying Ukraine's independence by joining with Russia.
"He has given up Ukraine's national interests, given up independence," said Mr Klitschko, a former boxing champion.
He called on the Ukrainian president to hold a snap election.