Here are some more details on the delay with the EU-Ukraine free-trade agreement from our news desk and RFE/RL's Brussels correspondent Rikaed Jozwiak:
BRUSSELS -- The European Union and Ukraine have delayed the application of their deep and comprehensive free-trade agreement (DCFTA) by 15 months -- to December 31, 2015.
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said today that Ukraine will continue to benefit from an opening of the bloc's market for Ukrainian goods until the agreement enters into force.
He was speaking in Brussels following talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and Russian Economic Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukaev.
De Gucht said the reason for the decision was the very fragile economic situation in Ukraine.
He added that the delay leaves time for the three parties to "consult on how to address concerns raised by Russia."
This would be done as part of efforts to "fully support the stabilization of Ukraine," he said.
De Gucht added that the decision was "part and parcel of the comprehensive peace process" in Ukraine, where government forces have been battling pro-Russian separatists since April.
Russia has repeatedly raised concerns over the economic implications that the DCFTA might have for its economy, and threatened to introduce import tariffs on Ukrainian goods if the EU and Ukraine proceed with the application of the deal from November 1.
De Gucht's statement comes just after the EU – along with the United States -- imposed another set of sanctions aimed to punish Russia for its role in the Ukraine crisis.
De Gucht also said that the ratification of the DCFTA, scheduled for September 16 in both the European Parliament and the Verkhovna Rada, will go ahead.
Earlier today in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called the planned ratification of the accord a "historic moment" that defines his country's future.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso was quoted as saying the EU is ready to disburse 760 million euros ($985 million) of additional aid, part of a package of direct loans, to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
The Reuters news agency reported that Barroso, who is visiting Kyiv, wrote the comment in the text of a speech to be delivered at a conference in the Ukrainian capital.
"Six hundred million euros have already been disbursed and 760 million euros can be disbursed in the next month, provided some of the conditions are met, notably economic reforms and the fight against corruption," Barroso wrote.
The aid is part of a package announced earlier this year to help Ukraine’s economy get back on its feet.
(Reuters, dpa, AFP)
Everyday madness of Eastern Ukraine via @Newsdonetsk pic.twitter.com/owOKuTnA80
— Maxim Eristavi (@MaximEristavi) September 12, 2014
Ukrainian fighter dolphins have joined the Russian army after 23 years of defending Ukraine. Thanks for all the fish. http://t.co/sr3EHGIPre
— Leonid Ragozin (@leonidragozin) September 12, 2014
By this point v clear that RUS troops/armour are in Ukraine, but if you need 75th smoking gun: http://t.co/dAoWDssJ29 pic.twitter.com/7p59v8hQcH
— Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) September 12, 2014
Crazy Grad fire and unceasing artillery booms in northern Donetsk right now, one assumed aimed at airport. Cease-fire is complete fiction.
— pete_leonard (@pete_leonard) September 12, 2014
Ready to continue this journey with the #Ukrainian people. My statement following meeting w/ President #Poroshenko. http://t.co/5Ut2vNF0yE
— José Manuel Barroso (@BarrosoEU) September 12, 2014
Picking up the pieces in battle-torn Ilovaisk, trying to restore electricity & school.But there 'aren't enough hands' pic.twitter.com/zWo4Ged8FA
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) September 12, 2014
Here's an important development concerning the EU-Ukraine free-trade agreement, as reported by RFE/RL's news desk:
The European Union says it is delaying the application of a free trade pact with Ukraine until the end of 2015.
Speaking in Brussels today, EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said Ukraine will continue to enjoy privileged access to the EU market until that date.
De Gucht said the decisions give "breathing space to discuss whatever problem may arise."
Moscow has threatened to introduce import tariffs on Ukrainian goods if Kyiv proceeds with the planned trade deal, which the Ukrainian and European parliaments are both aiming to ratify on September 16.
Earlier otoday in Kyiv, President Petro Poroshenko called the planned simultaneous ratification of the accord a "historic moment" that defines his country's future.
(Reuters, dpa, AFP)
After months of war, the threat of unexploded shells looms large in East Ukraine http://t.co/MZhERVT6rY https://t.co/kI2zdtjdYR @vicenews
— Henry Langston (@Henry_Langston) September 12, 2014