Ukraine-Led Trio Signs EU Accords Risking Russia Retaliation

Ukraine was joined by fellow ex-Soviet republics Georgia and Moldova in tying their future to the European Union, risking a widening rift with Russia that threatens to hit their economies.

The three countries signed free-trade agreements with the 28-nation bloc today, while Georgia and Moldova also signed association agreements. Ukraine inked that accord in March after the Kremlin’s opposition helped derail a previous attempt last November, sparking protests that turned deadly and led to the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych three months later.