Ukraine's WTO bid

There is actually good news here for Ukraine despite the first few paragraphs--WTO Casts Doubt on Russian Bid.

Asked who was ahead in the process, Adrian said: "At the moment, I would say Ukraine is ahead of Russia."

Ukraine has reached more bilateral agreements on goods and services, approximately 30 signed, and has another dozen or more to go. Bilateral deals must be struck with any of the WTO's 148 members who demand one.

So the end of the year might be too early but Ukraine is well along the way to entry. Good news.