EU deal with Ukraine falters

A SUMMIT intended to bring Ukraine into Europe’s mainstream foundered yesterday after the EU said it would not sign a landmark political and trade deal until Kiev resolves the case of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko.

Negotiations were finished on the agreement, which would create a free trade zone and establish deeper ties, but European Council president Herman Van Rompuy said signing and ratifying it “will depend on political circumstances”.

“Our strong concern is primarily related to the risks of politically-motivated justice in Ukraine. The Tymoshenko trial is the most striking example,” he told President Viktor Yanukovich.