Ukrainian president doesn't sign EU accord under pressure from Russia

VILNIUS, Lithuania, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Georgia and Moldova signed accords with the European Union Friday, but Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych would not agree to a similar deal, EU leaders said.

"The agreements initialed today are the most advanced of their type ever negotiated by the EU," European Commission President Jose Barroso said at the signing ceremony in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The association agreements will provide the countries with access to the EU trade market in exchange for political reforms at home.

Last week, Ukraine's government said it was putting preparations for its accord on hold.

Yanukovych met with EU officials Thursday evening, but they did not come to an agreement, The Wall Street Journal reported.

EU officials have accused Russia of threatening Ukraine and bribing officials into not signing the agreement, RIA Novosti said.

Russian officials warned Ukraine that if the accord was signed, they would demand payments for natural gas bills.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied that the Kremlin pressured Ukraine not to formally move ahead with greater integration with the European Union.