Ukraine will certainly join the European Union - Chernomyrdin

In his speech during the 4th annual "Yalta European Strategy" (YES) meeting, ambassador of the Russian Federation to Ukraine Victor Chernomyrdin pointed out an unprecedented growth of commodities turnover between Ukraine and Russia in the current year. "Ukrainian exports to Ukraine has grown by over 60%. Life in Russia is changing and the changes are for good. Ukrainian products are in demand and the Russian market is a huge one. Our relations with Ukraine will always be good and we are willing to maintain them. As soon as the political turmoil in Ukraine is finished our relations are aimed at successful development. "Ukraine - Russia - the European Union" is a good alliance and we will always favor it.

He voiced criticism towards a lack of coordination among the European Union representatives in that which regards prospects of Ukraine's accession to the EUs and urged the EU officials to send somewhat clearer messages as for any deadline for Ukraine's accession to the EU. "Just tell Ukraine when it will happen. And what Ukraine should do in order to meet the European standards as a EU member. And then Ukraine will certainly join the European Union".

"Yalta European Strategy" (YES) is an independent organization, which brings together high-level policy-makers, business leaders, thinkers, researchers, and journalists in Ukraine and abroad to facilitate Ukraine's accession to EU. The annual YES summits in Yalta have become the leading informal high-level forum focused on discussing and development of political recommendations. In 2006, the YES experts developed an analytical document "Agenda-2020", representing a step-by-step strategy for Ukraine's accession to the European Union in 2020. YES organization was created by a Ukrainian businessman and public figure, Victor Pinchuk in 2004.