Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s abandonment of the EU deal in November triggered protests, his removal and Russia’s move into Crimea.EU leaders have also agreed to try to reduce energy dependence on Russia.In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin signed a law formally absorbing Crimea into Russia.The EU and the US have announced sanctions on several high-ranking Russian figures, targeting Mr Putin’s inner circle.Full details of the latest EU targets are due to be published shortly.Russian shares fell sharply on Friday as investors considered the impact of the Western sanctions on Russia’s economy.’Rule of law’ The EU Association Agreement with Ukraine is designed to give the country’s interim leadership under PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk economic and political support.EU President Herman Van Rompuy said in a statement that the accord “recognises the aspirations of the people of Ukraine to live in a country governed by values, by democracy and the rule of law”.The political parts of the accord were signed in Brussels on Friday; the economic and trade sections will not be signed until after Ukrainian presidential elections in May. -BBC
