Ukraine in Customs Union with Russia?
If Yanukovych will implement Kiev’s entry into the Customs Union with Moscow, Minsk and Astana, an important step toward the realization of Russia’s aim to lead its “Near Abroad” will be taken.
Possible implications
If the project will see the light, political forces in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Uzbekistan would likely consider strengthening ties with the Union, and Russia may thus be able to play the role of pole-power in Northern Eurasia with renewed strength. Basically, the strong Western push toward Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and the Caspian Region, initiated by Clinton and Bush Jr, would come to an end, and the new multi-polar structure of global geopolitics would emerge more clearly.
Therefore, the development of the Custom Union’s project should be closely followed by decision-makers and investors interested in the Former Soviet Union.
