Ukraine's deputy foreign minister has resigned in protest after the delay of a key part of the upcoming EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, due to be ratified on Tuesday. So why is the deal so controversial?, reports GHN based on DW.
The Ukrainian and European parliaments are set to ratify a controversial association agreement on Tuesday, though in a compromise, a key measure in the agreement was delayed from taking effect for over a year in order to assuage Russian fears. Below, DW outlines the agreement's most contentious points.
A highly symbolic pact
The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement provides for closer economic ties and symbolizes Ukraine's move away from Russian influence. Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's refusal, under Russian pressure, to sign the association agreement last year precipitated weeks of violent protests in Kyiv's Independence Square, and ultimately led to Yanukovych's ouster.
Current Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed the association agreement with the EU this past June. "What a great day," he said at the signing of the agreement. "Maybe the most important day for my country after independence day," he added.
Ukraine is of deep historic and cultural significance to Russia, which for its part is strongly opposed to an agreement that would draw Ukraine out of its orbit and closer to Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his advisory Security Council on Monday to discuss the potential consequences of such an agreement taking effect.
"There will undoubtedly be serious consequences for Ukraine and Moldova's signing," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said at the time the agreement was signed.