BBC Online :
The issue of Ukraine’s future has sparked heated debate at a security summit in Munich, with Russia accusing the European Union of double standards.
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said the “future of Ukraine belongs with the European Union”. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asked why the EU was defending violent protests and attacks on police. Ukraine has been in turmoil since November, when it scrapped an EU accord in favour of a Russian bailout.
US Secretary of State John Kerry is due to meet top Ukrainian opposition leaders on the sidelines of the summit. Kerry said his message would be one of full support.
Van Rompuy’s opening speech at the summit referred to the EU’s offer of close association with Ukraine.
“The offer is still there and we know time is on our side. The future of Ukraine belongs with the European Union,” he said.
