Ukrainian diplomat admits miscalculations in preparations for European integration

12:05, 16.12.2013 1 min read

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has admitted that it has not given enough attention to economic dialogue in the preparations for signing an association agreement with the European Union.

"Unfortunately, it's probably my fault, we focused more on political dialogue and less on economic dialogue," Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Olefirov said, commenting on the situation with the signing of an association agreement between Ukraine and the EU.

Olefirov added that Ukraine needs macroeconomic assistance from the EU and needs to hold negotiations with the International Monetary Fund on further loans.

At the same time, he called on society not to dramatize the situation because European integration remains Ukraine's priority.

"The parliament, government, and society of Ukraine have done a colossal amount of work for the European development of the country," the diplomat said.

Olefirov said that he would resign if he saw changes in Ukraine's foreign policies.

"If I didn't see any prospects with regard to European integration, I would simply resign. It's quite obvious to me," he said.