Ukraine's parliament approves austerity laws needed for draft budget

Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk speaks to deputies as he presents a work plan of his government during a parliament session in Kiev, December 11, 2014. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's parliament backed on Sunday the final reading of laws that will simplify tax legislation and impose additional duties on imports, improving the chances a 2015 budget will be approved soon as required by the country's Western backers.

Voting was delayed as deputies debated the merits of the amendments, with some arguing they unfairly increase prices for Ukrainians, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet as the economy teeters on the edge of bankruptcy.