The European Union is ready to resume the preparations for the signing of the Association Agreement with Ukraine as soon as Kyiv is ready for this, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule has said.

"The EU will be ready to resume the preparations for the signing of the Association Agreement as soon as Ukraine declares its readiness to proceed with its movements towards political association and economic integration with the EU for the sake of its people," Fule said in an interview with the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia (Mirror Weekly) publication.

"The door remains open for the signing of the Association Agreement in future as soon as necessary conditions are created for this."

He said that the EU has taken note of the Ukrainian government's decision to suspend the preparations for the signing of the agreement with the EU. Fule added that this step was taken by Ukraine in response to a range of Russia's actions that resulted into a sharp decline in bilateral trade and caused economic problems to many Ukrainian citizens.

"These actions were groundless, as Russia will also get benefits from the new opportunities created by the Association Agreement," Fule said.

He saod that the creation of a free trade area with the EU did not force Kyiv to choose between two markets.

"They don't have to make a choice between Russia and the EU and no one asked Ukraine to give up the traditional free trade agreement with Russia," Fule said.

The EU Commission expressed regret that the Ukrainian government has made such a decision a few days before the summit in Vilnius.

While commenting on economic losses, which Ukraine could allegedly suffer following the signature of the agreement, Fule said that modernization and investment always walk alongside.

Fule also condemned recent speculations that Ukraine could allegedly suffer losses in the process of modernization.

"Unfortunately, it is vice versa – the decision to suspend the preparations will mean losses. New opportunities for the country and its people will be delayed," he said.

Fule stressed that the Association Agreement could strengthen Ukraine's sovereignty and assist in the demonstration of its potential.