This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26680250

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
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.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.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.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."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".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 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.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.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.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.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.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.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 President Vladimir Putin said after talks with officials in Moscow that he 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."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.
Addressing the house, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said any reference to annexation was an "insult to people, to their inalienable rights to self-determination, which they have exercised to the full".
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'.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'.