WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. John McCain, recently home from a visit to Kiev, said Wednesday it seemed Russia was putting undue pressure on the Ukrainian government.
"I think the Russians are trying to keep Ukraine from joining the European Union," he told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
McCain was in Ukraine recently to express his support for protesters frustrated with their government's decision to suspend efforts to move closer to the EU. He said he heard pro-EU sentiments expressed by those taking part in the demonstrations.
"They want to be part of the European part of the world, rather than Russia and not only do they want that but they're very tired of the heavy corruption that's there and also the lack of economic development, which they see in Europe," he said.
The Ukrainian government said the November decision was made to protect its economic ties to Russia.
Russia President Vladimir Putin extended an economic hand to the Ukrainian government this week when he met in Moscow with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
McCain echoed statements from opposition leaders in Ukraine, saying he questioned the Kremlin's motives.
