Ukraine Lawmakers Defy Yushchenko on Elections

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Ukraine is facing its worst political crisis since the Orange Revolution more than two years ago. Here's what's happening. President Viktor Yushchenko decided to dissolve parliament and hold early elections, but legislators are now defying him.

NPR's Moscow correspondent Gregory Feifer reports.

GREGORY FEIFER: Yushchenko appeared live on national television late last night to announce the dissolution of parliament.

President VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO (Ukraine): (Foreign language spoken)

FEIFER: Yushchenko called for new elections on May 27th. The pro-Western president's move came after months of bitter political deadlock with his archrival, pro-Moscow Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. President Yushchenko accused Yanukovych of trying to usurp power by illegally recruiting legislators into his ruling majority coalition. Parliament met today after calling Yushchenko's order for new elections a step toward a coup d'etat.

(Soundbite of applause)

FEIFER: Prime Minister Yanukovych has said dissolving parliaments could push the country into chaos, and that his party would appeal to the constitutional court. Defense Minister Anatoliiy Hrytsenko said the armed forces would listen only to orders from the president. Hrytsenko is the only key Cabinet member loyal to Yushchenko. Supporters of both sides are taking to the streets of the capital, Kiev, amid fears the country's looming constitutional crisis could spill out onto the streets.

Gregory Feifer, NPR News, Moscow.

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