KIEV, Ukraine (CNN) — Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk announced Sunday that he will resign amid an ongoing political crisis.
“We cannot let the government be destabilized when the country is at war,” he said during a televised address.
His formal resignation is expected Tuesday.
Yatsenyuk called for the formation of a new government, and said on Twitter that politician Volodymyr Groysman had been nominated to replace him as Prime Minister.
He also said that the heart of Ukraine’s problems is not “purely political,” but ethical.
“As of today my goals are broader: new electoral law, constitutional reform, judicial reform, Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO,” Yatsenyuk wrote on Twitter.
Political division has deepened in Kiev over the past few months. In February, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had called for Yatsenyuk to step down.
On Sunday, the President released a statement, urging Parliament to form a new coalition and choose a new Prime Minister soon.
“I agree that the country can no longer put up with the absence of the authorities. That is why I expect the Parliament to bring good news the next week,” Poroshenko said.
“They must form a coalition. It is very popular today to have a right to criticize, but not to assume responsibility, enter the coalition and vote. It is irresponsible for the country. I hope that the majority of people’s deputies will be responsible, form a coalition and submit a candidature for Prime Minister to me on Tuesday,” he added.
For the past year, the country has been battling Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the nation.
The fighting has contributed to the ravaged state of Ukraine’s economy.
The International Monetary Fund has agreed to provide a $17.5 billion emergency lifeline for Ukraine, demanding economic reforms in exchange for its money. But the IMF required reforms are hugely unpopular in Ukraine.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Yatsenyuk spoke Sunday about the Prime Minister’s plan to step down.
They agreed on the importance of putting together a Cabinet to implement reforms, especially those recommended by the IMF and European Union, according to a statement from the White House.
“The Vice President thanked Prime Minister Yatsenyuk for his partnership during a historic time for Ukraine. He congratulated the government of Ukraine on its accomplishments over the past two years, in particular on the strides it has made on difficult but necessary economic reforms, the signature of the European Union association agreement, and the work it has done to increase energy independence,” the statement read.
“The leaders agreed these changes must be irreversible and that continued progress is critical to securing a prosperous future for the people Ukraine.”
