Russia loses battle for Ukraine, expert says
KYIV, October 18 /Ukrinform/. Russia has failed to show Ukraine the benefits from joining the Customs Union.
President of the Center for Social-Conservative Policy Yuriy Lypchevsky told the First Business Channel on Thursday, according to the Gazeta.ua on-line edition.
"We have to accept the fact that Russia has failed to prove the Ukrainian elite, Ukrainian government, Ukrainian people that it is preferable to sign an agreement with the Customs Union. This battle is lost - we need to proceed from these realities," he said.
As for the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, it will definitely be signed, the expert believes.
"Europe has too long sought it, made a lot of organizational and reputable efforts. The conditions that had been set forth to Ukraine are quite beneficial -adoption of a series of laws that do not meet much resistance within Ukraine, except for nuances. In spite of the fact that not all these agreements will be implemented, the agreement will be signed," Lypchevsky said.
At the same time, he believes that if former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is not released, Ukraine will not be able to achieve preferences in the negotiations on the signing of the association deal.
The expert also noted that we should not expect a rapid positive economic effect of a free trade area with the European Union.
"We will lose a myth that tomorrow we will be fine. Even in a year we it will not get better. We need to work hard," he said.
АМ