27th Jun 2014 10:52
Brussels (Alliance News) - Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova signed long-awaited political and trade agreements with the EU on Friday, setting the stage for a confrontation with Russia.
Moscow has warned that the deals are incompatible with a free trade zone it has established. It has threatened to retaliate with measures such as higher tariffs and stricter import inspections.
"The consequences of Ukraine's and Moldova's signature will undoubtedly be serious, and we should take into account how it will spill out to avoid misunderstandings and suspicions," Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin told the Interfax news agency.
But EU officials dismissed Russia's concerns.
"There is nothing in these agreements, nor in the EU's approach, that might harm Russia in any way," EU President Herman Van Rompuy said.
The bloc and Moscow were already at odds over the crisis in Ukraine. Western leaders blame Russia for fomenting violence in the country.
The leaders of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova did not immediately appear swayed by Russia's threats, with all three declaring in Brussels that the nations they head - all former Soviet Union members - ultimately aspire to join the EU.
Copyright dpa