Ukraine defends EU deal snub as ‘tactical’
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Ukraine’s decision not to sign a deal strengthening ties with the European Union was motivated solely by economics and was “tactical,” Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said yesterday.
Azarov told parliament that Thursday’s move, coupled with renewing active dialogue with Russia, did not alter Ukraine’s overall development strategy.
The former Soviet republic abruptly spurned an historic alliance with its Western neighbors on Thursday, suspending an imminent trade pact with the EU and saying it would revive talks on a deal with Russia.
The decision came under fire from European leaders, the United States and Ukrainian opposition. Opposition leaders say the decision could be grounds for impeachment of President Viktor Yanukovich.
But Azarov said the move was “the only possible” option.
“The decision to suspend signing the agreement with the EU was difficult but the only possible one in the current economic situation in Ukraine. This decision was dictated solely by economic reasons and is tactical,” Azarov said yesterday.
He said the government would focus its efforts on renewing trade ties with Russia, Ukraine’s top trading partner.
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