Russia Tries Harder to Woo Ukraine Promising Equal Rights

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin tried on Thursday to convince Ukraine to join a Moscow-led customs union, despite the increased efforts by the European Union and United States to increase western clout on Kiev.

“Our integration project is based on equal rights and real economic interests. I'm sure achieving Eurasian integration will only increase interest (in it) from our other neighbours, including from our Ukrainian partners,” said Putin as reported by Reuters.

Protests are heating up in the streets of Ukraine’s capital, with a pro-European group asking President Viktor Yanukovich to resign.

Also on Thursday, Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said that the political tensions in Ukraine would not impede the works for the reverse-flow pipeline deal between Ukraine and Slovakia. 

Moscow has condemned what it sees as fierce foreign pressure on Ukraine. The EU has accused Russia of using economic blackmail against Kiev.