DISINFO: The EU Association Agreement destroyed the Ukrainian economy
SUMMARY
The terms of the [Association] agreement were obviously disadvantageous [for Ukraine] and it has ultimately destroyed the Ukrainian economy. The Ukrainian industry is degrading. In fact, the country has turned into a raw material appendage of Europe.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative on Ukraine and its relations with the European Union. In June 2014, the EU and Ukraine signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which promotes deeper political ties, stronger economic links and the respect for common values. See here for more details about EU-Ukraine relations. The total trade turnout increased to 50 bln USD in 2018. During 2015-2018, Ukraine also increased its export to the EU from 13 bln USD to 23 bln USD. Overall, in 2018 Ukrainian export to the EU increased by 13,1%. Now, the EU accounts for almost half of Ukrainian export. See here for further information about the DCFTA and the cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.