(VOVworld) – Ukraine’s Parliament has approved a resolution on the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych, declaring the president constitutionally unable to carry out his duties.

On Saturday, the speaker of parliament resigned and parliament elected Oleksander Turchynov as his replacement. The parliament set early election for May 25 and freed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the Batkivshina opposition party. Tymoshenko has announced she will run for the presidential post in the May election. Yanukovich, meanwhile, said he would not resign or leave the country, and called decisions by parliament "illegal".

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Katherine Ashton called on all parties concerned to protect the consistency, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. She said the EU will help to reduce tensions and called for dialogue between involved parties.