"We are already going to sign with the Prime Minister of Ukraine the political provision of the association agreement and seal the strong political partnership that brings Ukraine and the European Union closer together," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said after the EU summit dragged into the early morning hours today. "This is the democratic choice that Ukraine has made. It is our firm intention to sign the remaining parts of the agreement in due course. Europe is committed to Ukraine for the long term."
The fast-tracking of the signature ceremonies, which previously had been planned to take place by the end of the year, is intended to send a message to Moscow that Brussels remains committed to bringing former Soviet states into its orbit despite Russia's influence.
Crimeans prepare for changes to everyday life http://t.co/3ka3knW8YU @KyivPost #Crimea pic.twitter.com/V4cL0tbBk9
— KyivPost (@KyivPost) March 21, 2014
Рада федерації Росії схвалить анексію Криму http://t.co/3h3icRDx6N
— Радіо Свобода (@radiosvoboda) March 21, 2014
Speaking to the Federation Council this morning before the vote, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Western sanctions against Russian officials are irrational and will create unnecessary barriers.
Video streaming: Roundtable + signing ceremony of the Association Agreement between the European Union and... http://t.co/ffqvt2tUBv
— EU Delegation UA (@EUDelegationUA) March 21, 2014
Signing political part EU-Ukraine Association Agreement symbolises importance of relations & will to take it further pic.twitter.com/saT3c5itrw
— Herman Van Rompuy (@euHvR) March 21, 2014
Russia ranks 3rd on UN's @refugees list of countries of origin for asylum-seekers, right after Syria, Afghanistan http://t.co/tD4nOACbJ1
— RPW (@RusPoliceWatch) March 21, 2014
Important moment: Political provisions of EU-Ukraine Association Agreement now signed pic.twitter.com/QWIxLCX9us
— Herman Van Rompuy (@euHvR) March 21, 2014