It is obvious that Russia wants to deter Ukraine from strengthening its relationship with the European Union.
"As a sovereign country, Ukraine should have full independence to decide its foreign policy. Ukraine must have the right – without any external pressure – to enhance its relationship with the EU. And the European Union must support Ukraine's ambition for closer ties with the EU."
He continued by urging the European People's Party to support Ukraine's stronger ties with the EU:
"I particularly want to appeal to the EPP to give their full support to the summit between the EU, Ukraine and other neighbourhood countries in Vilnius this autumn, to ensure it is successful. We need full support for a quick ratification of the association agreement with Ukraine in order to strengthen Ukraine's position in relation to Russia."
