Ukraine suspends its integration into EU

Ukraine has suspended the process of its integration into the European Union. The corresponding document was issued today by the Ukrainian government.

According to the document, Ukraine will not sign a associate membership agreement with the EU at the coming summit in Vilnius as had been expected.

Instead Ukraine will consider membership of the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

At the same time, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich says the country will enhance its ties with the EU anyway and it doesn't have a hope of becoming a member of the EU.

"We have already achieved a lot. What we need now is one final effort. We are not afraid, we are ready to continue our integration into the European Union," Yanukovich said.