Ukraine risks unrest as ills worsen (can't get their $ out of bank)

[katty]

Ukraine risks unrest as ills worsen
By Stefan Wagstyl and Roman Olearchyk
more: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/67fba682-075a-11de-9294-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1

Published: March 2 2009 19:16 | Last updated: March 2 2009 19:16

Olexander Pavlenko, a young computer programmer, is one of tens of thousands of Ukrainians who cannot get their money out of the bank.

He stood in line in Kiev at Nadra Bank and Ukrprombank, two big troubled banks, planning to withdraw more than $10,000 (€7,950, £7,125). But like many others, he was told the cash was not available.

“I stood in line a couple times with other bank clients who were protesting, crying and screaming. But the bank told me: ‘Sorry, we simply don’t have the money now and can’t help you.’”

With about nine banks now under the central bank’s special control, Ukrainians are increasingly worried.