Ukraine intends to sign an Association Agreement with the EU in the "near future," stated Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, confirming expectations his country will not sign the deal Friday.

Yanukovych took part in the EU Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius, where neighboring Moldova and also Georgia signed Association Agreements with the Union.

But last week Ukraine had announced that it indefinitely freezes work on the agreement, as the deal would prove economically detrimental to the country.

"I confirm Ukraine's intention to sign the Association Agreement in the near future," stated the Ukranian President at the Vilnius summit.

"But our European colleagues need to take decisive steps towards Ukraine in respect to development and the implementation of the financial and economic assistance program," said Yanukovych.

Representatives of Ukraine's government had argued that as the Ukrainian economy is currently structured, it would be harmed from the falling of trade barriers with the EU.

At the same time, they had stated that the country needs to forge stronger economic ties with Russia and other nations from the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Ukraine has also given up the opportunity for an IMF loan, saying the conditions were highly unattractive and that the reforms required in return would harm the country economically and socially.

Over the week, many Ukrainians protested the decision, believing the country is moving away from Europe and ever closer to Russia.

At the summit in Vilnius, EU leaders made emphatic statements alluding to the alleged influence from Russia over Ukraine's decision.

They also confirmed that the door of the European Union remains open for further integration.

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