Slovakia’s eastern diplomatic efforts continue as Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova have signed partnership agreements with the European Union, in a move strongly opposed by Russia.
The accord - which would bring the three countries more closely to the West both economically and politically - is at the heart of the current crisis in Ukraine. Newly elected Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he saw the signing as the start of preparations for EU membership. A ceasefire with pro-Russian rebels in the east is due to end on Friday. Mr Poroshenko hailed the signing as Ukraine's most historic day since independence in 1991, describing it as a "symbol of faith and unbreakable will". European Council President Herman van Rompuy described it as a "great day for Europe".
