BRUSSELS, Sept. 30 - If Ukraine gains membership of the WTO this year, the country will be able to start talks with the EU on creating a free trade zone, Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU Roman Shpek said in Brussels, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

"Ukraine is likely to become a WTO member this year, and there is no anti-Ukrainian lobby in Geneva," he told the press. Membership will also strengthen the position of Kiev at the talks on a new advanced agreement with the EU, he said.