EU deals could stoke growth, reform

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Leaders from the 28-country European Union on Friday signed broad trade and economic deals with non-member countries Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

The so-called “association agreements” have been a focal point in the region’s turmoil. In Ukraine, deadly protests broke out this winter when the president decided not to sign the EU deal under pressure from Moscow. The protests drove pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych from office, but drew the ire of Russia and pro-Russian militants in the country’s east.