UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT Viktor Yanukovich paid a courtesy call to EU leaders in Brussels yesterday, pledging the reliability of his country’s energy supplies.
European countries are heavily dependent on such supplies, originating from Russia, which have in the past been cut off during gas price disputes with Moscow.
Although Mr Yanukovich is perceived to be closer to Moscow than his predecessors, EU officials took heart from the fact that his meetings with commission chief José Manuel Barroso came before his first trip to Russia next Friday.
Although the EU and Ukraine are negotiating an association agreement incorporating a free-trade accord, officials say there is no short- or medium-term prospect of the country setting forth on the path to membership.
Both sides backed speeding up talks on an EU-Ukraine co-operation agreement.
Mr Yanukovich, who was inaugurated last week, sought to reassure the union over the flow of energy supplies from his country. “I have confirmed that Ukraine will remain a reliable transit country for the energy resources to Europe,” he said.
Although he is expected to tilt Ukraine closer towards Russia, he also indicated that he favours further integration with Europe.
“We all know what Europe is expecting us to do . . . it wants us to take the road of reforms,” he told reporters. “Our imminent steps are primarily directed at achieving political stability.
“Our priorities will include integration into the European Union, bringing up friendly and constructive relations with the Russian Federation, and developing friendly relations with neighbouring partners . . . and the strategic partner, the United States,” he said.