Ukraine crisis a setback for NATO bid

By David Brunnstrom - Analysis

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Renewed crisis in Ukraine is a fresh setback for its EU ambitions and those who want it to join NATO, despite growing concern about Russian moves to roll back Western influence after intervening in Georgia, analysts say.

A shaky coalition between President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko collapsed on Wednesday, less than a week before an EU-Ukraine summit at which Kiev has been seeking a clear signal it can one day join the European Union.

Yushchenko wants to move his strategically important country towards the EU and NATO but bickering between him and Tymoshenko has stalled reforms in the former Soviet republic of 47 million.

"It's incredibly bad timing," said Andrew Wilson of the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank.

"The inability to keep domestic housekeeping in order is the very reason many EU states argue against Ukraine. It's not just the traditional EU divide about whether or not to offend Russia, but the genuine question about reform capacity and the short-term future of Ukraine."

EU diplomats said Tuesday's summit in the French town of Evian was expected to offer Ukraine some concessions, including talks on long-term moves to ease visa requirements.

It may also designate a broad pact governing ties as an "Association Agreement" -- wording that can imply the possibility of future membership.

However, they said divisions within the bloc meant it would fall short of any explicit statement making clear Ukraine could one day join the 27-nation European Union.