Ukrainan PM says Russia asked to postpone EU deal

The Russian government asked Ukraine to consider delaying signing an Association Agreement with the EU to conduct further talks, said Ukrainan PM Mykola Azarov.

This statement was interpreted by some western media as implying that Azarov has admitted of a Russian influence over his government’s decision.

After the move to freeze the Association Agreement signing, scheduled for this week, EU and Russia have exchanged accusations that the other side has exerted “pressure” over Ukraine.

Tens of thousands of Ukrainians assembled in pro-EU rallies, fearing that the decision will move their country away from Europe and ever closer to Russia.