KIEV, Dec. 14 - Ukraine is determined to sign an association agreement with the European Union as soon as possible, President Viktor Yanukovych said.

"Ukraine sees this agreement primarily as a comprehensive program of internal transformations in all areas of political, economic and social life of the state, as well as an efficient tool to improve national legislation," the head of state said at a meeting with heads of diplomatic missions of foreign states and international organizations accredited in Ukraine, the president's press service reported.