Ukraine poses dilemma for Brussels

Russia's efforts to tighten economic links with its neighbours in a Eurasian economic union have left Ukraine, Europe’s second-biggest country by area and fifth most populous, at the centre of a tug-of-war between Russia and the European Union.

President Viktor Yanukovich has brought his nation closer than ever to signing free trade and association agreements with the EU. However, the EU is concerned with various human rights and political developments in Ukraine.

In an editorial for the Wall Street Journal in August 2011 President Yanukovich said he planned to take his modern and dynamic country much further down the path to becoming a 'proud member of the European Union'.

ESO: Background information: Putin sets sights on Eurasian economic union http://www.europeansources.info/record/putin-sets-sights-on-eurasian-economic-union/

ESO: Background information: Ukraine's managed democracy http://www.europeansources.info/record/ukraines-managed-democracy/

ESO: Background information: Tymoshenko detention strains EU-Ukraine relations http://www.europeansources.info/record/tymoshenko-detention-strains-eu-ukraine-relations/

EEAS: Ukraine http://www.eeas.europa.eu/ukraine/index_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Ukraine signals readiness to finalise EU pact http://www.europeansources.info/record/ukraine-signals-readiness-to-finalise-eu-pact/

EurActiv, 25.8.11: Ukraine's future is with EU, says president http://www.euractiv.com/enlargement/ukraine-future-eu-president-news-507106

EurActiv, 13.9.11: EU-Ukraine trade talks enter defining stage http://www.euractiv.com/specialreport-eu-ukraine-relatio/eu-ukraine-trade-talks-enter-def-news-507561

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