Ukraine can’t be ‘here and there’ at the same time – Medvedev on Ukraine’s integration

(Interfax – MOSCOW, September 19, 2013) Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has reiterated that Ukraine cannot combine its associated membership in the European Union with integration in the Customs Union.

During a meeting with the participants in the 15th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia- Pacific News Agencies (OANA), he said such statements by the Ukrainian administration on its readiness to ratify various agreements do not cause anything but surprise. “There is a Latin saying ‘Aut nihil aut caesar’ (which translates as “all or nothing’). I can say the same about the possibility of combining associated membership in the EU and membership in the Customs Union,” Medvedev said.

“All talks about the possibility of being here and there are just attempts to deceive their own people,” Medvedev said. “We are a little here and a little there and we will get our dividends everywhere – it doesn’t work that way,” he said.

“If Ukraine has chosen the European Union, we wish our Ukrainian friends the closest possible integration with the European Union,” he said. “Let them make money for their national budget by their participation. We doubt that will bring big dividends. However, if they have made this choice, it’s their decision. Their actions should be evaluated by the people of Ukraine,” Medvedev said.