Should Ukraine join the EU?

[Matteo]

There is a lot of civil unrest in Ukraine at the moment. They've recently rejected a deal which could have made them part of the European Union. Instead, they have elected to strengthen diplomatic ties with Russia. Turns out a large group of Ukrainians disapproved of the final decision made by the President and would like to be part of the EU. The demonstrations could also represent a vocal distaste for Russia's 'bullying presence', since Putin threatened to cut off gas lines and pursue a more aggressive nature of foreign policy if Ukraine joined the EU. Ukraine rejecting the deal could somehow be seen as surrendering to Russia's geopolitical dominance, and that naturally frustrates many Ukrainians particularly in the Western area. As we know, one can not really distinguish any difference between Russia and Eastern Ukraine since Moscow practically occupies that area, so the country is very divided at the moment.

Do you think it was a bad decision made by the Ukrainian government? Since the EU is in abhorred shape at the moment, economically-speaking, perhaps it was a wise decision, but then again, aligning yourself with suppressive Russia is not very smart, either.

I'm netural on this.

[AkydefGoldberg]

I think they should have joined just to stick two fingers up at Russia's desire to control their Eastern European neighbours. Ukraine's President seems to have made a decision under pressure from Russia rather than an informed one. If they sat down and felt it wasn't the best decision for them as a country than fair dos but seems a decision made for Russia's convenience.