Ukrainians hate Russians. That sentiment goes way back.
Ukraine has the potential of being the most dynamic country in Europe: It is the largest (assuming one does not consider Russia part of Europe, as there is a very convincing school of thought that anything south and east of the Black Sea is Asia, not Europe; and, although the westernmost portion of Russia is about as far west as the westernmost part of the Black Sea, the vast majority of Russia is east of the Black Sea), and has incredible agricultural possibilities; it has a long coastline on the Black Sea, and the robust Dnieper River is central to the country.
Ukrainians have always had a more western-leaning mindset than an eastern one.
If by "dynamic" you mean "place where things keep happening," like those Chinese "interesting times," then perhaps it's a curse.
If you mean "rich, independent, and industrialized," then that particular potential was realized only once in the entire history of Ukraine. It was in 1930s, under Stalin, when millions of workers (free and prisoners alike) were employed for two decades to build power stations, steel mills, and many other objects of industry. Once left alone, in 1990s, the industry started to decay, and today it is in serious danger of being lost.
The agreement with Russia is more favorable to Ukraine simply because Russia needs Ukraine's industry - it will be financed, fixed up, and used to make products for both countries and for export. EU has no use for Ukrainian industry; it would benefit from Ukraine having no industry at all. EU farmers do not want competition either. Ukraine is risking its identity, not just independence, if it gets too close to the EU.
>>>Ukrainians hate Russians. That sentiment goes way back.<<<
Bullcrap.