European Union tries to draw ex-Soviet republics closer into EU orbit with Prague summit

PRAGUE — The European Union extended its hand to former Soviet republics on Thursday, holding a summit to draw them closer into the EU orbit despite Russia’s deep misgivings.

European Union tries to draw ex-Soviet republics closer into EU orbit with Prague summit

PRAGUE — Despite deep Russian misgivings, the European Union and six former Soviet republics formally agreed on Thursday to pursue a new partnership meant to draw the eastern nations closer into the EU orbit.