DHAKA: Ukraine has signed partnership agreements with the European Union (EU), in a move strongly opposed by Russia.

The pact - which would bind the three countries more closely to the West both economically and politically - is at the heart of the crisis in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said making Ukraine choose between Russia and the EU would split it in two, reports the BBC.

A ceasefire with pro-Russian rebels in east Ukraine is due to end on Friday.

Putin called for a long-term ceasefire to allow talks between the government and separatists.

Meanwhile the United Nations refugee agency said there had been a sharp rise in the numbers of displaced people in eastern Ukraine in the past week, with 16,400 people fleeing the area.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hailed the signing as Ukraine’s most historic day since independence in 1991, describing it as a “symbol of faith and unbreakable will”.

Poroshenko also said he saw the signing as the start of preparations for joining the bloc.

“Ukraine is underlining its sovereign choice in favour of membership of the EU,” he said.

Meanwhile European Council President Herman Van Rompuy described it as a ‘great day for Europe’.

“The EU stands by your side, today more than ever before,” he told leaders of the three countries, adding that there was nothing in the agreements that might harm Russia in any way.

EU also signed partnership agreements with Georgia and Moldova.

BDST: 1747 HRS, JUNE 27, 2014