The European Union yesterday openly accused Russia of using unacceptable pressure to keep Ukraine from signing a landmark deal on closer association.
Even though the EU extended its reach eastward by sealing association agreements with Georgia and Moldova, the belated refusal of Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych to sign up to a similar deal largely spoiled the two-day summit with the EU’s eastern partners.
And most EU leaders pointed straight at Russia for using threats and bullying to keep Ukraine in step with Moscow.
“We may not give in to external pressure, not the least from Russia,” said EU President Herman Van Rompuy in unusual blunt terms after the summit in Vilnius, Lithuaniana.
EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso added that “the times for limited sovereignty are over in Europe,” alleging Russia still tried to consider Ukraine as a subservient neighbour.
“There was pressure for sure,” French President Francois Hollande said, adding that Ukraine was heavily leaned on, “notably through gas”.
The Kremlin has worked aggressively to derail the EU deal by offering Kiev loans and price discounts, imposing painful trade sanctions and threatening Ukraine with giant gas bills.
While facing pressure from the EU, Mr Yanukovych is grappling with discontent at home.
About 10,000 demonstrators in Ukraine’s capital demanded the signing of the EU deal, the latest in daily protests since Mr Yanukovych suspended the signature.
Popular mass protests in 2004, known as the Orange Revolution, overturned Mr Yanukovych’s fraud-marred election victory and brought his pro-Western opponent to power, and he is wary of a repeat.
The protesters have been urging him to sign the EU deal and many have called for the release of jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who has become a symbol of the fight over selective justice.