The EU has signed trade partnership agreements with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.

The move will mean closer integration, both economically and politically, between Brussels and the three former Soviet states.

Ukraine’s newly elected President Petro Poroshenko said Ukraine is now well on the road to EU membership.

Ukraine’s previous leader Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign the deal which led to protests and his fall from power.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy claimed that the EU stands by Ukraine more than ever before.

Van Rompuy added that the signing will in no way harm Russian interests.

Moscow says it will take measures if the pact has a negative effect on the Russian economy.