Kiev - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has secured a coalition in parliament, meaning a new government and prime minister could be in place soon.

The coalition has proposed ex-finance minister Mykola Azarov as prime minister, an alliance member said.

Mr Yanukovych had been trying to pull together a loyal coalition after winning presidential polls last month.

He has faced resistance from defeated presidential contender and outgoing Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Mrs Tymoshenko was forced out in a vote of no confidence last week.

Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn said on Thursday that a coalition had been formed on the basis of an agreement signed by the Party of the Regions, the Communist Party, and his Lytvyn bloc.

The coalition includes a total of 235 deputies from the 450-member chamber, he said.

Mr Yanukovych is seen as closer to Russia than his predecessor Mr Yushchenko.

Mr Yushchenko and Mrs Tymoshenko were allies during the Orange Revolution, before becoming engaged in a bitter power struggle.