EU Foreign Policy Chief: Ukrainian President Wants Deal With the EU

Decision not to sign agreement sparked protests

Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych intends to sign a deal on closer EU ties after all, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has told reporters.

She was speaking as pro-EU protesters continued to paralyse the centre of Kiev over the president's decision not to sign the EU association agreement.

His U-turn late last month followed pressure from Russia.

President Vladimir Putin said in Moscow on Thursday he still hoped Ukraine would join a regional customs union.