12 Dec 2013

Ukraine’s president ‘intends to sign’ EU agreement – Ashton

The rejection of a deal with the EU by Ukraine’s president prompted weeks of protest, but now EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton signals a U-turn, saying Mr Yanukovich “does intend to sign.”

Ukrainian President Yanukovich meets the EU's Baroness Ashton (Getty)

Baroness Ashton’s comments came a day after her talks with the Ukrainian president in Kiev.

Ms Ashton told journalists that it was clear that signing the agreement on trade and co-operation with the EU could help address the short-term economic and financial issues that Ukraine faces:

“It is my view that those challenges, which are real, can be addressed by the support that not only comes from the European Union institutions, but actually by showing that he has a serious economic plan in signing the association agreement also will help to bring in the kind of investment that he needs.”

Noting that the Ukrainian deputy prime minister would come to Brussels on Thursday or Friday, Ms Ashton said “We’ll see”.

Mr Yanukovich’s hardline stance had come under pressure on Wednesday as international criticism was directed at his government following scuffles between protestors and riot police as an abortive attempt was made to clear protest camps.

As protestors re-assembled in even greater numbers Mr Yanukovich seemed to soften his line, calling for all parties – including the opposition – to take part in national talks.

Russian fightback?

President Putin chose on Thursday to re-emphasise the benefits to Ukraine of Russian plans to develop a political and trading bloc to be known as the Eurasian Union. Speaking of the current customs union with Belarus and Kazakhstan, President Putin said in his annual state-of-the-nation address:

“our integration project is based on equal rights and real economic interests”. He added: “I’m sure achieving Eurasian integration will only increase interest (in it) from our other neighbours, including from our Ukranian partners”.

The EU has criticised Russia for putting economic and trade pressure on Ukraine to get Mr Yanukovich not to sign the EU trade accord, but instead decide to rebuild economic ties with Russia.

Protest continues

Meanwhile in Kiev hundreds of Ukranians braved bitter weather for another day of anti-government protests. Many said they didn’t intend to leave unless the government resigned. One protestor told Associated Press news:

“In Moscow, they think that what is happening here is anti-Russian. In Europe they think that what we are fighting for is pro-European, as a matter of fact, our actions are against the bandits (of the Ukrainian government).”