Ukrainian defense minister resigns

Ukrainian acting Defense Minister Ihor Tenyukh submitted his resignation to the Verkhovna Rada -- Ukraine's parliament -- on Tuesday. After two attempts, parliament accepted his resignation.

"I, the acting defense minister of Ukraine Admiral Tenyukh , am handing in my resignation," he informed parliament.

During his resignation speech, the defense minister refuted accusations that his orders to Ukrainian Armed Forces in Crimea were belated. He also maintained that he "has never clung to this post."

At first, parliament refused to accept Tenyukh's resignation. A second vote was taken with 228 members voting to accept his resignation.

[Interfax Ukraine News Agency]