KIEV - UKRAINE'S parliament failed on Friday for the second time to pass the 2009 budget, as several deputies in the shaky ruling coalition continued to oppose the draft.

The budget sees revenues of 237.5 billion hryvnias (S$44 billion) and spending of 268.5 billion hryvnias and is based on an economic growth forecast of 0.4 per cent and inflation target of 9.5 per cent - which analysts have called optimistic.

The budget motion was backed by 219 votes, falling short of the 226 needed. Fourteen deputies from the pro-presidential Our Ukraine party abstained. Ukraine's president and prime minister have been at odds for months. -- THOMSON REUTERS