‘Kiev makes an indecent proposal to the EU’

Published on 12 December 2013 at 12:45

Cover

“The Ukraine is demanding €20bn in financial aid from the EU” to sign the association agreement with the Union that was rejected by President Viktor Yanukovych at the Vilnius summit on November 28 and 29, reports Die Welt. Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has explained that “the affair could be settled with an offer of financial aid.”

“Yanukovych is attempting to cloud the issue to avoid acknowledging his sole responsibility for the current political situation” in his country, argues a German government source, cited by Die Welt. In its commentary the newspaper blasts the “crafty Yanukovych” —

For some time Viktor Yanukovych has been trying to alleviate his financial plight by looking for new sponsors, who are foolish enough to fall for his tricks. If Brussels gives the country €20bn in aid, Yanukovych will finally sign the association agreement, he says. This brazen request brings to mind the impertinence of a man who is offered a Porsche, but insists that he will only accept it on condition that someone builds him a villa. If the EU hands over €20 billion, Kiev will be demanding more cash in no time at all. Counting on Viktor Yanukovych is like relying on a heat wave in the Ukrainian winter.

Receive the best of European journalism straight to your inbox every Thursday

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic