US 'disappointed' if Ukraine scrapping EU deal

(WASHINGTON) - The United States said Thursday that it would be "disappointed" at news that Ukraine has halted preparations for a landmark trade and political agreement with the European Union.

"If the reports are true and if the decision is the Ukrainian government's final decision before Vilnius, we're disappointed," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

"We believe there was ample time to resolve all remaining obstacles to signing the association agreement in Vilnius with sufficient effort and commitment."

Inking the deal with the EU at a Vilnius summit next week would have marked Kiev's break from historic master Moscow, which had repeatedly warned of trade retaliation if it was signed.

Kiev's turnaround came in a government decree which was announced after lawmakers again failed to agree legislation to allow jailed former premier Yulia Tymoshenko to go abroad for medical treatment -- a key condition set by EU leaders for the signing of the Association Agreement.

The agreement is seen as a first step towards full membership of the European Union.

But Moscow has put tremendous pressure on Kiev not to push ahead with the deal and to step back from closer integration with the EU bloc.