Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovich goes on sick leave in midst of political crisis

Kiev: Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has gone on sick leave with a respiratory ailment, his website said on Thursday, leaving a political vacuum in a country destabilised by anti-government protests.

Yanukovich's prime minister, Mykola Azarov, resigned on Tuesday after a sharp escalation of two months of street unrest prompted by Yanukovich's rejection of a European Union deal in favour of closer ties with Russia.

The president, under pressure from Moscow not to tilt policy back towards the West, has yet to appoint a successor. Serhiy Arbuzov, who was Azarov's first deputy, has stepped in as interim prime minister.

"The president of Ukraine has been officially registered as sick with an acute respiratory ailment and a high temperature," the web site said.

Yanukovich, 63, has not had a history of ill health. He has full control over the government and strong backing in parliament and analysts say he keeps his political cards close to his chest.

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Ukraine badly needs a new government. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday Moscow would wait until one was formed before fully implementing a $15 billion bailout deal. Anti-government protesters have occupied state buildings and fought street battles with police.