Ukraine's president nominates ally for prime minister

Ukraine's Prime Minister Vladimir Groysman smiles after he was appointed the Prime Minister during the Ukrainian parliament session in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Ukraine’s parliament has endorsed Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s resignation and appointed Vladimir Groysman as the new prime minister. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (The Associated Press)

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko, right, and Prime Minister Vladimir Groysman celebrate after Groysman was appointed the Prime Minister during the Ukrainian parliament session in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Ukraine’s parliament has endorsed Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s resignation and appointed Vladimir Groysman as the new prime minister. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (The Associated Press)

Ukraine's Prime Minister Vladimir Groysman goes to the rostrum during the Ukrainian parliament session in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Ukraine’s parliament has endorsed Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s resignation and appointed Vladimir Groysman as the new prime minister. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (The Associated Press)

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has nominated an ally to become prime minister in an effort to end a political impasse.

Poroshenko announced in parliament on Thursday the nomination of Volodymyr Groysman, currently the parliamentary speaker. The chamber is expected to hold a vote for the new government later on Thursday.

Outgoing prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk earlier this week submitted his resignation after weeks of pressure for him to step down. Yatsenyuk's cabinet survived a no-confidence vote in February, but two parties left the governing coalition to protest the failure to oust the prime minister, who was under fire over the worsening economy and slow pace of reforms.

In recent months, political tensions have risen and some respected reformers have resigned, citing disenchantment with the government's cronyism and entrenched corruption.