Ukraine will delay implementation of EU deal

BRUSSELS (AP) — Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union have agreed to delay the full implementation of a landmark trade deal between Kiev and the 28-member bloc.

In a joint ministerial statement issued Friday in Brussels, the three sides announced the trade agreement between the European Union and Ukraine, which is to be ratified by Ukrainian and EU legislators next week, will not actually be fully implemented until the beginning of 2016.

Since Ukraine's pro-Russian ex-president fled power following months of protests in February, the country has firmly pivoted toward the West by signing a landmark trade deal with the European Union in June.

However, the EU concession allowing a delay in its implementation is a big victory for Russia, which has repeatedly threatened punitive measures against Ukraine if the deal is ratified.