Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said on Friday he was ready to take over the leadership of the Party of Regions.
"I'm ready!" the premier said when asked ahead of a Party of Region congress in Kiev.
The party is changing its leader after its head, Viktor Yanukovych, won February's presidential polls. Yanukovych is barred by the Constitution from heading a political party. He will officially resign as head during the congress.
Azarov's "worthy" candidature was later confirmed by senior party official Oleksandr Yefremov.
KIEV, April 23 (RIA Novosti)