DHAKA: Ukraine’s decision to suspend a deal on closer EU ties and sign a Russian aid agreement instead has helped avoid bankruptcy, prime minister Mykola Azarov has told ministers in Kiev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to buy $15bn of Ukrainian government bonds and slash the price of Russian gas.

Azarov said the package would protect financial stability.

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 last month sparked mass demonstrations.

Azarov defended the deal with Russia in a government meeting on Wednesday, reports the BBC.

BDST: 1713 HRS, DEC 18, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor