The Verkhovna Rada today refused to consider a bill aimed at reducing

the clout of the country’s oligarchs, adding more fuel to the fiery

debate over Privat Group owner Ihor Kolomoisky’s influence on the

People’s Front party and other parliamentarians.

The legislation was

submitted as an alternative to a similar bill, approved by the Rada on Jan. 13,

that has been criticized as ineffective and counterproductive for business.