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Viktor Yanukovych: â€œI was alone for 3.5 years in very unequal conditions with Russiaâ€

29 November 2013 07:39 (UTC +04:00)

Baku – APA. “Ukraine FM Kozhara in our discussions confirms that Ukraine has succumbed to severe Russian economic pressure in postponing EU agreement,” Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt wrote on his Twitter page, APA reports quoting “Ukrainskaya pravda”.

A video released by Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite's office late on Nov. 28 gives a glimpse at negotiations about signing a trade treaty continuing well into the night at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius. During an aperitif before the official dinner of all heads of delegations, top European officials make a series of last-minute attempts to persuade Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych to sign the deal. In the footage, which lasts more than four minutes, José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European commissioner, and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite approached Yanukovych and are heard talking about the benefits of potential signing for Ukraine. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is heard saying “We expected more.” Yanukovych, however, looking solemn and pouting his lips, repeats the same message to all conversation partners. “I would like you to hear me. I was alone for 3.5 years in very unequal conditions with Russia ... one to one,” Yanukovych says.