KIEV, May 26 – Kiev welcomes the statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the readiness to cooperate with new Ukrainian authorities following the presidential elections, acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deschytsia said.

KIEV, May 26 - Vitaliy Klitschko, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, has claimed victory in an election to become mayor of Kiev, clinching a major role in Ukraine's emerging new political order after Sunday's presidential election, Reuters reported.

MOSCOW, May 26 - Russia said on Monday it was ready for dialogue with Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine's next president, but warned the Kiev authorities not to step up armed operations against separatists in the east, Reuters reported.

BERLIN, May 26 - Europe's Energy Commissioner said on Monday Ukraine and Russia had made further progress in a dispute over gas prices and his proposal that Ukraine to pay $2 billion of back debt by Thursday could pave the way for further talks on Friday, Reuters reported.

KIEV, May 26 - Ukraine launched air strikes and a paratrooper assault against pro-Russian rebels who seized an airport on Monday, as its newly elected leader rejected any talks with "terrorists" and said a robust military campaign in the east should be able to put down a separatist revolt in "a matter of hours,” Reuters reported.

KIEV, May 23 – The government of Ukraine is preparing for a visit by President Viktor Yanukovych to China, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said.

KIEV, May 24 – President Viktor Yanukovych has ordered Prime Minister Mykola Azarov to ensure the creation of an interagency working group on the replacement of imported natural gas by Ukrainian-made coal.

KIEV, May 26 - About 100 activists have staged Ukraine's first gay pride march in the capital Kiev, ignoring a court ban, BBC reported Sunday.

"This can be considered a historic day," Olena Semenova, one of the organizers, said.

KIEV, May 26 – President Viktor Yanukovych traveled to Russia on Sunday for a surprise meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss urgent trade issues, Yanukovych’s press service reported.

KIEV, May 26 – Ukraine has failed to achieve notable results in its fight against corruption, but it is taking positive steps in reforming the system of state management, according to an annual report by the European Commission on the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in Ukraine.