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Ukraine crisis: EU signs association deal | Ukraine crisis: EU signs association deal |
(35 minutes later) | |
EU leaders have signed an agreement on closer relations with Ukraine, in a show of support following Russia's annexation of Crimea. | EU leaders have signed an agreement on closer relations with Ukraine, in a show of support following Russia's annexation of Crimea. |
The EU signed the deal hours after announcing more targeted sanctions. | |
Pro-Moscow leader Viktor Yanukovych's abandonment of the deal in November had led to deadly protests, his removal and Russia taking over Crimea. | |
On Friday, Russia's upper house unanimously approved the treaty on Crimea joining the Russian Federation. | On Friday, Russia's upper house unanimously approved the treaty on Crimea joining the Russian Federation. |
'Rule of law' | 'Rule of law' |
The EU Association Agreement is designed to give Ukraine's interim leadership under PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk economic and political support. | |
EU President Herman Van Rompuy said in a statement that the accord "recognises the aspirations of the people of Ukraine to live in a country governed by values, by democracy and the rule of law". | EU President Herman Van Rompuy said in a statement that the accord "recognises the aspirations of the people of Ukraine to live in a country governed by values, by democracy and the rule of law". |
Mr Yatsenyuk said: "I strongly believe the EU will speak with one single strong voice, protecting Ukraine." | |
He added that "the best way to contain Russia is to impose real economic leverage". | |
The BBC's Matthew Price in Brussels says Friday's accord is not the full package that Mr Yanukovych rejected in November - many parts will not be signed until after new presidential elections in May. | |
The most sensitive issue of trade integration with the EU is as yet unsigned. | |
But in its Conclusions on Ukraine, published on Friday, the EU said it was committed to signing the remainder. | |
The EU also said it would push ahead with similar cooperation deals with two former Soviet republics - Georgia and Moldova - in the summer. | |
Moscow has troops in breakaway parts of Georgia and in Trans-Dniester, which broke away from Moldova, and our correspondent says the EU's announcement on this is likely to infuriate the Kremlin far more than any sanctions imposed so far. | |
The EU has also cancelled a summit with Russia in June and said member states would cancel regular bilateral summits. | |
Friday's signing came hours after the EU broadened its sanctions over Russia's annexation of Crimea. | |
It added 12 individuals to an earlier list of 21 who now face asset freezes and travel bans. | It added 12 individuals to an earlier list of 21 who now face asset freezes and travel bans. |
The US on Thursday added to its own list and also targeted the Rossiya bank. | The US on Thursday added to its own list and also targeted the Rossiya bank. |
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday the international sanctions were "absolutely unlawful". | Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday the international sanctions were "absolutely unlawful". |
However, President Vladimir Putin said after talks with officials in Moscow that Russia would not take an immediate reciprocal action. | However, President Vladimir Putin said after talks with officials in Moscow that Russia would not take an immediate reciprocal action. |
"I think we should refrain from taking steps in response for now," Interfax quoted Mr Putin as saying. | "I think we should refrain from taking steps in response for now," Interfax quoted Mr Putin as saying. |
However, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Ukraine should pay back $11bn in gas discounts as an agreement linked to the lease of the Sevastopol naval base in Crimea was now invalid. | However, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Ukraine should pay back $11bn in gas discounts as an agreement linked to the lease of the Sevastopol naval base in Crimea was now invalid. |
In response to the US sanctions on Rossiya bank, Mr Putin said: "I personally did not have an account with it but will open an account there on Monday for sure." | |
Two credit rating agencies have now downgraded Russia's outlook to negative from stable. | Two credit rating agencies have now downgraded Russia's outlook to negative from stable. |
In Moscow, all 155 senators present in the upper house of parliament voted to ratify the treaty incorporating Crimea into the Russian Federation. | In Moscow, all 155 senators present in the upper house of parliament voted to ratify the treaty incorporating Crimea into the Russian Federation. |
Mr Putin is expected to complete the process by signing the treaty at a ceremony later on Friday. | Mr Putin is expected to complete the process by signing the treaty at a ceremony later on Friday. |
Are you in Crimea or the wider region? What are your thoughts on recent events? Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukwith the subject heading 'Crimea'. |