Ukraine deaths spark fears of power struggle

THE mysterious deaths of Ukraine's transport minister and a high-profile banker mark the start of a struggle for control of the country, diplomats and politicians warned yesterday.

The death of Transport Minister Heorhiy Kyrpa follows Western-leaning Viktor Yushchenko's victory with a margin in a re-run of the presidential election. His rival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, will appeal the result in court.

High-profile banker Yuriy Lyakh died on December 3 apparently stabbed in the neck with a paper opener.