The outgoing president aired his emergency measures after first dashing to Moscow for urgent consultations with his counterpart and ally Vladimir Putin in which he won the Russian president's backing and praise for his handling of modern Ukraine's worst political standoff.

The proposals are unlikely to satisfy all opposition demands and underscore the careful line Kuchma has trodden since his country spiraled into political chaos following a flawed November 21 vote won by his Kremlin-backed prime minister.

Kuchma is in effect parting company with Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich -- the man whom he had carefully groomed to succeed him after a 10-year reign highlighted by frictions with the West and fluctuating relations with Russia.

Lawmakers passed a motion of no confidence in Yanukovich on Wednesday and Kuchma said he would strip him of power and hand it to parliament should both sides follow his rescue plan.

"Ukraine needs a government that will act," Kuchma said.

The main obstacle now hinges on the timing and format of a new vote. Both sides admit the election was mired in fraud and are only waiting for the final verdict saying so from the Supreme Court -- now seen as just a formality and expected Friday.