Ukraine’s PM asks lawmakers to dismiss finance minister

MOSCOW – Ukraine’s prime minister and his minister of finance have publicly traded angry accusations in a growing Cabinet rift that could further jeopardize prospects of receiving Western aid.

Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said Wednesday he has asked Parliament to relieve Finance Minister Oleksandr Danylyuk of his duties. Groysman argued that Danylyuk’s letter to ambassadors of the G-7 top industrialized nations could undermine Ukraine’s discussions with the West.

In last month’s letter, Danylyuk accused Groysman of stalling vital reforms of the state tax service needed to combat corruption.

Danylyuk also said Wednesday that Groysman had demanded his support for a plan to provide subsidies for regions. Danylyuk argued that the plan offers ample opportunities for official corruption.

The Ukrainian government has faced Western criticism for failing to make efficient anti-corruption efforts.