Ukraine's parliament has voted to hold early presidential elections on May 25, passing a resolution stating that Viktor Yanukovych had failed to properly fulfil his duties as president.
The resolution said that Yanukovych "is removing himself (from power) because he is not fulfilling his obligations, and (that parliament) is setting elections for May 25."
The decision on Saturday was backed by 328 of the 447 MPs and came just hours after Yanukovych said he wouldn't respect any decisions made by parliament.
Under an agreement reached on Friday between Yanukovych and leaders of the opposition protests that have brought Ukraine into crisis, early elections were to be held no later than December.
But the possibility that he could remain in office for the rest of the year angered protesters who want his immediate departure.
Television footage showed jubilant lawmakers singing the national anthem after the vote.
