Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has signed a decree appointing Mykola Azarov as prime minister, the presidential press service has reported.

The decree was signed in the presence of Azarov and Verkhovna Rada Chairman Volodymyr Rybak.

Yanukovych congratulated Azarov on his election as Ukraine's prime minister. Azarov, in turn, thanked the head of state for his trust in him.