Ukrainian economy minister quits over state graft, lack of support

Ukraine's economy minister tendered his resignation Wednesday after only roughly one year in office, saying he is frustrated by graft and that his major economic and structural reforms "are being blocked."

Aivaras Abromavicius wrote in a press statement that "it is not just the lack of support or political will. We see active steps that are intended to paralyze our reform process."

Another reason is corruption, Abromavicius said, explaining that he was given pressure by some lawmakers regarding the appointment of certain key positions in the Economy Ministry.

"My team and I don't want to be a cover for blatant corruption and don't want to be puppets for those who want to establish control over the state money in the old style," Abromavicius said.

Abromavicius' resignation underscored the fragility of Ukraine's pro-Western ruling coalition, which found itself on the brink of collapse due to a lack of political unity.

Abromavicius, a 40-year-old Lithuanian-born technocrat, took charge of Ukraine's Economy Ministry in December 2014, following the anti-government street rallies which toppled former president Viktor Yanukovych and the former government.

The resignation of Abromavicius will be put to a vote in the parliament on Thursday. Endi