The United States has voiced disappointment with the Government of Ukraine's decision to delay preparations for signature of an Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. State Department Spokesperson Jennifer Psaki stressed in a statement, late on Thursday, "the EU has offered Ukraine an historic opportunity to cement a European future for its people and demonstrate to international financial institutions and investors its unwavering commitment to democratic reform." "We stand with the vast majority of Ukrainians who want to see this future for their country, and we commend the EU for keeping the door open," she affirmed. "The United States is convinced Ukraine's integration with Europe is the surest course to economic prosperity and democracy," she remarked. The US stand coincided with reported demonstrations in the Ukrainian capital in protest of the government resolution. The Ukrainian government announced on Thursday it was suspending plans to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union at a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, next week. Russia, which wants the Ukraine to join a Russia-led Customs Union, has threatened trade retaliation in case the nation signed the deal with the Europeans. The deal, if signed, would pave way for the Ukraine to have EU membership