Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said today that the creation of a free trade area (FTA) with the EU, envisioned by the association agreement that Ukraine plans to sign in November, will not lead to a rupture of cooperation with the countries of the Customs Union, in particular with Russia.
"In spite of our long-term plans for European integration, we do not plan to break off our relations with our traditional partners, Russia and the countries of the Customs Union. Establishment of a comprehensive free trade area will not rupture relations with Russia as a strategic partner of Ukraine," RIA Novosti quotes Yanukovych.
He also noted that the construction of a plant for the production of nuclear fuel in the Kirovograd region, which is conducted in partnership with Russia, will continue. "I am convinced that it will be profitable for Ukraine and Russia," Yanukovych said.
In November, at the summit of Eastern Partnership in Vilnius, Ukraine plans to sign the association agreement with the EU, part of which is the provision of the FTA. At the same time, Ukraine was invited to join the Customs Unions together with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan and has already been granted the status of an observer, but Kiev says that it is not ready for fully-fledged membership of the Customs Union.
