THE EU has openly accused Russia of using unacceptable pressure to keep Ukraine from signing a landmark deal on closer association.

Even though the EU extended its reach eastward by sealing association ­agreements with Georgia and Moldova yesterday, the belated refusal of Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych to sign up to a similar deal largely spoiled the two-day summit in Lithuania with the EU's eastern partners.

And most EU leaders pointed straight at Russia for using threats and bullying to keep Ukraine in step with Moscow.

EU President Herman Van Rompuy said: "We may not give in to external pressure, not the least from Russia."

EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso added that "the times for limited sovereignty are over in Europe," alleging Russia still tried to consider Ukraine as a subservient neighbour.

French President Francois Hollande added: "There was pressure for sure."

The Kremlin had worked aggressively to derail the EU deal.

It offered Kiev loans and price discounts, imposing painful trade sanctions and threatening Ukraine with giant gas bills.

Ukraine has had to suffer through several cold winter spells when Russia tightened the tap during politically sensitive times.

Mr Yanukovych told German Chancellor Angela Merkel "the economic ­situation in Ukraine is very difficult".

Mrs Merkel praised Georgia and Moldova for withstanding similar pressure and still moving westward.

Though the negotiations have been painted as a diplomatic battle royal between Brussels and Moscow with a key eastern European nation of 46 million as the ultimate prize, the EU is insisting everyone would gain.

Mr Yanukovych shocked the 28-country bloc last week by suddenly freezing the long-negotiated deal days before it was due to be signed, insisting he would seek closer relations with Moscow instead.

While facing pressure from the EU, Mr Yanukovych is grappling discontent at home where 10,000 demonstrators demanded the signing of the EU deal.