Ukrainian cooperation with Russia will help...
Ukrainian online daily Ukrainska Pravda said earlier this week Russia might receive a controlling stake in the Ukrainian state-owned aircraft manufacturer, Antonov, in exchange for a gas discount.
Azarov said that it was absolutely obvious that Ukraine would not be able to boost its aviation industry alone as "for the last 10 years Ukraine has built only free air planes."
The prime minister reminded that years ago Kiev aviation plant Aviant has been producing a plane a day.
"Our natural partner in developing of aircraft industry is Russia," Azarov said. "Some 60-70 years ago our plants ... were complementary."
Azarov said that Kiev and Moscow are currently negotiating to combine efforts in the development of the aviation industry.
"I am deeply convinced that this year we will agree on a joint production of military cargo aircraft," Azarov said adding that the countries are already discussing the issue.