Ukraine opts for Russian bailout instead of EU treaty / Germany brings Ukraine relations to EU summit table

Author (Person)
Series Title
Series Details 18.12.13
Publication Date 18/12/2013
Content Type

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych opted for a no-strings-attached Russian bailout instead of the EU alternative. He made the agreement at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on the 17 December 2013.

Under the accord, Putin promised to use money from Russia's National Welfare Fund to buy $15 billion of distressed Ukrainian bonds. Russia also promised to cut gas prices from $400 or so per thousand cubic metres to $269 until 2019, saving Ukraine up to $2bn a year.

Speaking in Brussels on the day before, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov accused the European Union of trying to impose a free trade agreement on Ukraine that would likely ruin its economy. He also he advocated a “unified economic and humanitarian space from Lisbon to Vladivostok” to be established between the EU and the Eurasian Union.

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said that foreign ministers “confirmed the EU’s readiness” to sign the Association Agreement with Ukraine, adding that the signing should have no negative effects on Russia.

Ukraine's Russian-backed President, Viktor Yanukovych, has said he strongly opposes Western politicians intervening in the crisis in Ukraine.

In the meantime, business chiefs joined a growing chorus of senior politicians demanding the EU to adopt a more conciliatory stance on negotiations with Russia, currently chilled as a result of the tug-of-war over Ukraine. European Parliament President Martin Schulz and other EU leaders have reaffirmed the EU's position that the door remains open to the Ukrainian people after its government's decision to put on hold its EU association process last month in favour of closer relations with Russia.

Source Link Link to Main Source http://euobserver.com/foreign/122526
Related Links
EurActiv, 17.12.13: Lavrov lifts veil over Russia's intentions for Ukraine http://www.euractiv.com/global-europe/russia-unveils-plan-ukraine-news-532390
EurActiv, 18.12.13: Germany brings Ukraine relations to EU summit table http://www.euractiv.com/global-europe/germany-bring-ukraine-issue-summ-news-532434
ESO: Background information: Putin says Ukraine under no obligation to join customs union / EU asks Ukraine to clarify its intentions / Ukraine deal no threat to Russia, says EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/putin-says-ukraine-under-no-obligation-to-join-customs-union-eu-asks-ukraine-to-clarify-its-intentions-ukraine-deal-no-threat-to-russia-says-eu/
EUObserver, 16.12.13: EU-Russia relations at low ebb, despite 'humour' http://euobserver.com/foreign/122497
BBC News, 18.12.13: Russia deal saved Ukraine from bankruptcy - PM Azarov http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25427706
BBC News, 16.12.13: Vitali Klitschko: Heavyweight champion swaps boxing for politics http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/25409356
Spiegel Online International, 18.12.13: Maintaining Russian Power: How Putin Outfoxed the West http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/how-vladimir-putin-ruthlessly-maintains-russia-s-grip-on-the-east-a-939286.html
Spiegel Online International, 16.12.13: Ukraine's Vitali Klitschko: 'The People Intend to Fight' http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-vitali-klitschko-on-ukraine-opposition-movement-a-939355.html
Deutsche Welle, 17.12.13: Russia makes $15 billion, gas discount commitments to Ukraine http://dw.de/p/1AbXe
Deutsche Welle, 18.12.13: Kyiv pastor brings solidarity and food to Maidan protestors http://dw.de/p/1AbAX
BBC News, 19.12.13: Yanukovych tells West to keep out of Ukraine crisis http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25423808
Deutsche Welle, 19.12.13: Yanukovych criticizes West for meddling in Ukrainian political crisis http://dw.de/p/1AcZI
Deutsche Welle, 18.12.13: 'Putin's presents' split opinion in Ukraine http://dw.de/p/1AcAt
Euro|Topics, 18.12.13: Moscow provides Kiev with billions http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/presseschau/aeltere/NEWSLETTER-2013-12-18-Moscow-provides-Kiev-with-billions
Kyiv Post, 17.12.13: Russia gives Ukraine cheap gas, $15 billion in loans http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/russia-gives-ukraine-cheap-gas-15-billion-in-loans-333852.html
RIA Novosti, 19.12.13: Ukraine-Style Protests Would Not Be Allowed in Russia – Putin http://en.ria.ru/politics/20131219/185729407/Ukraine-Style-Protests-Would-Not-Be-Allowed-in-Russia--Putin.html
RIA Novosti, 19.12.13: Putin Says $15Bln Loan to Ukraine Must Be Repaid http://en.ria.ru/russia/20131219/185724426/Putin-Says-15Bln-Loan-to-Ukraine-Must-Be-Repaid.html
EurActiv, 19.12.13: Industrial leaders, politicians call for olive branch to Russia over Ukraine http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/industrial-leaders-politicians-c-news-532492
EurActiv, 20.12.13: Schulz: Door is still open for Ukraine http://www.euractiv.com/global-europe/eu-leaders-discuss-ukraine-russi-news-532519
Deutsche Welle, 20.12.13: EU signals door still open for Ukraine, but maybe not for Yanukovych http://dw.de/p/1AdyS
Deutsche Welle, 19.12.13: 'Refusal to follow Yanukovych will last' http://dw.de/p/1AdiK
EUObserver, 20.12.13: EU leaders close the door on Yanukovych http://euobserver.com/foreign/122578

Countries / Regions , ,