Ukraine may join Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, source says

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has reportedly signed an agreement with Russia confirming Ukraine’s commitment to join the Customs Union in the near future, British journalist Edward Lucas, international editor of The Economist magazine, is quoted as saying by world media.

According to the deal, Russia will provide Ukraine with a $5 billion loan and lower gas prices to $200 per 1000 cubic metres.

Lucas stresses the source of information is very trustworthy.

Vestnik Kavkaza editor-in-chief Alexey Vlasov says that, if true, the reports show that Ukraine's foreign policy has changed completely. He underlines that the country's accession to the Customs Union will strengthen this project.

At the same time, such a decision will increase the tensions within Ukraine and lead to a further split in Ukrainian society, Vlasov says.