KIEV, March 13 ??“ Ukraine??™s economic growth accelerated in February for the first time over the past 14 months, fueling optimism within the government that this year??™s expansion will be stronger than had been earlier expected.

The economy expanded 2.2% on the year in February, compared with 0.9% on year growth in January, Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov said Monday citing preliminary figures.