Given that Ukraine’s participation would significantly enhance the union’s legitimacy, Russia is using all available tactics – from lower gas prices to trade sanctions – to persuade its leaders to join. But Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych, who nurtures his own thuggish reputation, wants no part of it.
但是，即使在这方面，普京的示好也是以恃强凌弱的方式进行的。乌克兰的加入将极大增强欧亚经济联盟的合法性，因此俄罗斯竭尽一切策略——从降低天然气价格到贸易制裁——说服其领导人加入其中。但乌克兰总统亚努科维奇也是独断专行之辈，他希望与俄罗斯保持距离。