EU leaders keep door open for Ukraine to sign cooperation deal despite earlier snubs
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
European Union leaders are making renewed calls to Ukraine to sign a cooperation deal despite snubs from President Viktor Yanukovyck who wants closer ties with Moscow instead.
Days after Russia announced a $15 billion bailout package for Ukraine and pledges to discount gas exports, EU leaders said Friday that Ukraine should still align itself with the 28-nation bloc for the economic advantages of a market of 500 million consumers and aid possibly in excess of $26 billion over a seven-year span.
President Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania, which holds the EU presidency said that "Europe is open for Ukrainian people, but not necessarily for this government. That's the message."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The diplomatic battle for Ukraine has been cast in geopolitical terms as a standoff between Russia and the West.