Ukraine signed economic part of Association Agreement with European Union

Ukrainian and EU flags
(Image: Press TV)

On Friday, 27 June, Ukraine has signed economic part of its Association Agreement with the countries-members of European Union, what became a historical step in relationships between Ukraine and EU. After Ukrainian former President Victor Yanukovich failed to sign an Agreement, Ukraine raised for the massive protests, known as Euromaidan, what led later to the massive anti-government protest against the current political system and Yanukovich and has overthrown Yanukovich, who fled to Russia.

Thus, after the first, political part of an Association Agreement was signed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on 21 March 2014, 6 months since the beginning of the protests in Ukraine, Ukrainian newly elected President Petro Poroshenko has accomplished what was started and signed an economic part of an Agreement amid the tense and deteriorating situation in Eastern Ukraine, as Russia continues to destabilize situation in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko: Ukraine should sign Association Agreement with EU in the nearest future

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko
(Image: Wikipedia, Michał Józefaciuk)

Ukrainian newly elected President Petro Poroshenko has stated recently that Ukraine is actually ready to sign the second, economical part of an Association Agreement with EU about creation of the free trade zone. Ukraine is waiting for a reply of EU officials.

Petro Poroshenko declared about readiness of Ukraine to sign this Agreement on 7 May, during his official meeting with the EU representatives, politicians and diplomats. In addition to that, Mr. Poroshenko stated that this document should be signed as soon as possible and mentioned the date of 27 June 2014. Ukrainian side is expecting currently a decision of Brussels, reports press-service of Petro Poroshenko.

At the same day Ukrainian new President assured President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite during his meeting with her that he is ready to sign this historical document since the first hours of his presidency. He also admitted that Ukraine needs to implement several important reforms and measures necessary for its further development in the frameworks of the terms of an Association Agreement. 

Ukraine elects its fifth President in the first round, as anti-terrorist operation in Eastern Ukraine intensifies

Petro Poroshenko, newly elected President of Ukraine
(Image: ABC News)

Ukrainians cast their ballots in their historical and extremely important presidential elections, held on 25 May 2014 amid the tense and dangerous situation in Eastern Ukraine, as the pro-Russiand and Russian terrorists and separatists continue to destabilize situation in the region threatening security and unity of the country.

But despite the hard situation and extremely tense situation in Eastern Ukrainian Donetsk and Luhansk regions, millions of Ukrainians came on Sunday to the polling stations in Ukraine and all over the world to choose their fifth President. The voters’ turnout was more than 60%, according to the estimations of Ukrainian High Electoral Committee and numerous foreign observers, arrived to monitor Ukrainian early presidential elections. Many compare these elections with 1991 referendum for Ukrainian independence when people came en masse to the polling stations to choose the future of the country as of an independent and free state. 

Ukraine signs political part of Association Agreement with EU amid ongoing tensions in Crimea and Western pressure on Russia

Ukraine and EU sign Association Agreement
(Image: Arseniy Yatsenyuk Facebook Page)

Tensions in Ukrainian Crimea, occupied by Russian forces and actually annexed by Russia after the illegal “referendum” and Putin’s presidential decree regarding Crimean status as a subject of Russian Federation, remains tense, with no attempts to de-escalate situation from the Russian side and unwillingness to hold negotiations with Ukrainian authorities.

Though, despite the tensions and complicated situation, Ukraine has made an important step towards European integration. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatesenyuk has signed in Brussels on Friday, 21 March, political part of Association Agreement between the countries of EU and Ukraine. The document was signed by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Head of European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, President of European Council Herman Van Rompuy and heads of 28 countries-members of EU and high officials of EU. Economic part of the Agreement is expected to be signed in the nearest future, once as Ukraine and EU will finish cooperation and consultations regarding reforming Ukrainian industry and market, stated Herman Van Rompuy. Ukrainian Minister of Economic Development and Trade Pavlo Sheremeta has stated that economic part of the Association Agreement could be signed within the coming 6 months.

Crimean conflict turned into military stage as Russia annexed Crimea and killed first Ukrainian soldiers

Ukraine, Crimean Peninsula
(Image: Map of Ukraine)

Situation in Ukrainian Crimea continues to escalate despite the demand of Ukrainian government to withdraw Russian troops and increasing Western pressure and total refusal of the world to recognize the results of the illegitimate referendum held on Sunday in Crimea.

Russia continues to increase its military presence deploying new troops and heavy military technique to Crimea and along the borders with Ukraine, as Ukrainian military deployed its forces to protect the borders and territories of Ukraine and stop Russian military aggression.

Ukraine: Crimean crisis becomes tenser amid Russian increasing of military presence and harsh Western reactions

Russian military troops in Ukrainian Crimea
(Image: Telegraph)

Russian military presence has significantly increased during the last night, with several new attacks against Ukrainian military bases and seizure of some administrative buildings, including Simferopol regional military recruitment office. Almost all the strategic objects on the Peninsula are being controlled by Russian military forces, with the local TV channels offices also occupied and coverage cut off.

In addition to that Russia has deployed additional troops and military technique in Crimea and allegedly started its movement towards the mainland Ukraine, according to the reports of Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the eyewitnesses, reported, that Russian soldiers are being assaulting Ukrainian border military bases and destroying the equipment. The field on the border with Khersonska governorate, which is the beginning of the mainland Ukraine, is mined by Russian military. The situation escalates, as the special mission of OSCE was prevented again from entering Crimea.

Ukraine: tensions in Crimea increase amid the decision of local Parliament to join Russia and Western reactions

Russian military invasion in Ukraine
(Image: Bloomberg)

Situation in Ukrainian Crimea, occupied by Russian troops since 28 February, remains tense, as Russia refuses to de-escalate the situation despite the calls of Ukrainian government and increasing international pressure, accusing Russian administration of brutal violation of Ukrainian and international law.

Russian troops have lifted blockade of Crimean cities ahead of the planned visit of the OSCE mission in Crimea, but after the members of the mission have left the Peninsula, the troops have returned and continued blocking Ukrainian military units, threatening the soldiers, who have an order not to shot, as any wrong move from Ukrainian side could become a reason for Russian full-scale military aggression, as it happened in Georgia in 2008. Thus, the situation remains tense, especially after Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received an information about the preparation of provocations of Russian, made by Russian soldiers dressed in Ukrainian military uniform.

Ukraine: new government appointed, as situation escalates in Crimea

Massive rally in Independence Square (Maidan) in Kyiv
(Image: radio Svoboda)

After three days of fierce clashes and violent resistance in Ukrainian capital Kyiv and Parliament’s decision to impeach former President Yanukovich, who escaped Ukraine and is currently wanted, situation in country develops rapidly and unexpectedly.

Parliament in Kyiv formed new coalitions, including big coalition “European Choice”, and declared the main direction of Ukrainian foreign policies and development: European integration and signing of Association Agreement with EU in the nearest future. EU officials, in their turn, declared support of Ukraine and claimed that signing of the Agreement is possible within two-three weeks after presidential elections. In addition to that European Parliament has called for EU to support Ukraine financially allocating financial aid for the country’s reforms and resolving the crisis. EU also stated that the procedure of imposing sanctions against Ukrainian officials from Yanukovich’s regime will be ongoing, while Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski declared that financial assets of Yanukovich and high officials of his close circle should be blocked and given for reforms in Ukraine.

EU discusses sanctions against some Ukrainian officials as US Senate holds a meeting regarding current situation in Ukraine as fresh clashes erupted in Kyiv

EU parliamentarian Michael Galer
(Image: Deutsche Welle)

EU continues its talks and consultations regarding the possibility of imposing personal sanctions against some Ukrainian high officials representing the current government or affiliated with it, stated EU parliamentarian and member of European Parliament’s Committee for Foreign Affairs Michael Galer in his interview with Deutsche Welle. Though not all the information will be currently revealed due to the sensitivity of the issue and ongoing investigations, added politician.

Ukraine: draft law about early presidential elections was registered in Parliament. Euromaidan is considering new tactics

Ukrainian massive anti-government and pro-EU protests
(Image: Lenta UA)

MP of Ukrainian Parliament Oleksander Brygynets, representative of the oppositional Batkivshchyna (Homeland) Party, has submitted to the Parliament draft law about early presidential elections. This draft was registered by Ukrainian Parliament and should be discussed by the MPs.

According to the text of the draft presidential elections should be held not later than 30 March 2014, according to the Constitution, and not in 2015, as it was decided due to the amendments to Constitution made by Yanukovich.

Ukrainian opposition plans to form united pro-Ukrainian and pro-European team, as Vitaly Klichko calls for a single oppositional presidential candidate

Euromaidan: Ukrainian anti-government protests
(Image: Liga NET)

Ukrainian oppositional forces work currently on forming the team to fight for democratic changes in Ukraine and to participate in the upcoming 2015 presidential elections, according to the statement made on Tuesday, 7 January, by one of the oppositional leaders, Arseny Yatsenyuk, while he delivered his speech on Kyiv Euromaidan.

Some political experts criticized opposition for the pause it took and lack of strong decisions taken during the latest time, though some other specialists are sure this pause is important in order not to divide participants of Euromaidan, Ukrainian anti-governmental protests. Citizens of Ukraine and demonstrators have a chance now to form their proposals and ideas regarding the steps to change political situation in the country.

Ukrainian Diaspora calls for Barack Obama Administration to impose personal sanctions against Ukrainian high officials

Massive anti-government protests in Kyiv
(Image: Lviv Daily)

Representatives of Ukrainian Diaspora in USA have met with the representatives of Barack Obama’s Administrations in order to discuss the possible ways to influence Ukrainian authorities and to support Ukrainian citizens in their struggle for equality and democracy, as massive anti-government protests, called Euromaidan, are ongoing in Ukrainian capital and in other cities as well with the high numbers of demonstrators, despite the New Year’s and Christmas holidays and vacations.

The meeting held on Friday was aimed to find the possible solutions of the current political crisis in Ukraine which is deepening, and during the meeting of Ukrainian Diaspora with the representatives of the Council of National Defense of USA the list with the names of Ukrainian high officials against whom the sanctions should be imposed was presented to Presidential Administration.

Ukraine: USA is ready to impose sanctions on Ukrainian authorities while EU calls for harsh decisions

Ukrainian Euromaidan celebrating New Year
(Image: Kyiv Post)

Ukrainian Euromaidan, massive anti-government protests, continue for more than month in Kyiv and nationwide, as Western countries including USA and EU are discussing possible sanctions against some Ukrainian high officials.

Thus, USA President Barack Obama and his Administration received on Friday the list of the names of Ukrainian officials who could face possible personal sanctions of USA government. This list was given to the Presidential Administration during the meeting of President with the representatives of Ukrainian Diaspora in Washington.

EU: Release of Yulia Tymoshenko is still one of the key conditions for signing Association Agreement for Ukraine

Yulia Tymoshenko, prominent oppositional leader and ex-
Prime Minister of Ukraine, currnetly imprisoned
(Image: Praag Info)

German politician and member of the Green Party and MP of European Parliament Rebecca Harms, who is currently in Ukraine and participated in the New Year’s celebration taken place on Kyive Independence Square, Euromaidan, has stated, that the issue of Yulia Tymoshenko’s release is still on the table and is one of the key conditions for the signing of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and EU.

Mrs. Harms made this statement during her interview for Deutsche Welle.

Ukraine: Euromaidan declares its manifest with demands amid massive anti-government’s protests

Massive anti-government rallies continue in Ukraine
(Image: AP)

Ukrainian citizens continue massive anti-government protests demanding resignation of the current government and steeping down of Victor Yanukovich as President and fighting for the total change of the political system in Ukraine.

Ukrainian opposition has called for the fresh million-man march, the so called People’s Council, to be held on Sunday, 29 December, in Kyiv Independence Square. Hundreds of thousands of protesters have gathered at 12 p.m. in Independence Square for the march under the motto “Solidarity against terror”. Protesters have voiced their main demands and messages to the current authorities and approved the new manifest issued by the Council of the recently formed National Alliance “Maidan” united political powers and groups and civic activists and intellectuals.

Ukraine: Protesters and opposition have created National Association “Maidan” during the fifth massive rally in Kyiv

Massive rallies in Ukrainian capital on 22 December
(Image: Batkivshchyna Party Facebook page)

22 December was marked by the fifth massive consecutive rally of Euromaidan – anti-government and pro-Europeans rallies and protests being held in Kyiv and all over Ukraine since 21 November, when Ukrainian government tool and unexpected decision to suspend preparation to signing of Association Agreement with EU. More than 100 thousand people have gathered in Kyiv Independence Square with tens of thousands continuing protests nationwide, particularly in Western regions of Ukraine.

Angela Merkel: Ukraine cannot participate in two customs unions at the same time

Angela Merkel, German Chancellor
(Image: Wikipedia)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed that EU offer about signing Association Agreement with Ukraine is still in power and that the current situation will be discussed also during the upcoming Summit Russia-EU.

According to the statements of Angela Merkel made during the press-conference after EU Summit held in Brussels, the doors of EU are still open for Ukraine and Ukraine is not limited in the time of signing this agreement, but Ukraine cannot participate in the two customs union at the same time, added German Chancellor.

“The door is open”, said Angela Merkel. – “There is no specific date for Ukraine when this door could be possibly closed. We want to sign an Association Agreement with Ukraine, Europe has been preparing for it during long time. Now the decision should be taken by Ukraine”.

Ukraine: Leaders of People’s Council of Euromaidan issued manifest with their demands. Opposition calls for the fresh rally on Sunday

Massive protests against current political regime and in support
of European integration in Ukraine
(Image: Svoboda)

Representatives of People’s Council of Euromaidan aimed to represent the interests and demands of civil society appealed to government and opposition and issued their manifest with the key demands and propositions to resolve the situation which only escalates.

For resolving Ukrainian deep political crisis which is currently deepening negotiations must be held, according to the manifest issued by People’s Council. These negotiations though must be open and attended by the representatives of current government, oppositional forces and civil society and these talks must be aired on TV, demanded activists.

European Union was ready to give Ukraine € 20 billion financial aid in the framework of Association Agreement

European Union and Western countries were ready to give Ukraine nearly 20 billion Euro financial aid for modernization of economy and implementing reforms necessary in the frameworks of association with EU and signing of Association Agreement.

This information was published by several Western media sources including Financial Times and Wall Street Journal referring to the intern documents being on the stage of preparation in EU.

Ukrainian President met with Russian colleague in Moscow. Opposition demands the results of talks to be published

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President
Victor Yanukovich during the Moscow meeting
(Image: Korrespondent)

Ukrainian current President Victor Yanukovich arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, 17 December, for participation in the early planned meetings to be held during 17-18 December. Victor Yanukovich has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in order to discuss some aspects of cooperation and strategic partnership, according to the press service of Russian President.

During the Tuesday’s meeting 14 documents and agreements have been signed by Victor Yanukovich and Vladimir Putin. The talks have been closed, and there were no journalists invited to cover them.

Ukrainian President refused to talk to reporters and journalists after the official meeting, but Vladimir Putin made several statements regarding the meeting. Commenting on the results of the recent meeting Vladimir Putin was talking mostly about benefits Ukraine will get, such as increase of export of Ukrainian production to Russia and countries members of Custom Union, creating of new working places and saving the existing ones etc. Mr. Putin didn’t talk though about Russian benefits.