Ukraine’s first deputy prime minister Serhiy Arbuzov said Kiev would “soon sign” a trade and association agreement with the European Union, but declined to provide any date or deadline. Speaking after talks with Stefan Fuele, the European commissioner for enlargement, Arbuzov said they had discussed a “road map” for implementing the deal, which Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich backed away from last month, prompting protests and demonstrations in Kiev. “Ukraine will soon sign this association agreement with the European Union, taking into account the national strategic interests,” Arbuzov said. (Reuters)