Ukrainians are more likely to favor the country joining the Russia-led Customs Union (CU) than integration with the European Union (EU), according to a poll conducted by the Kiev-based International Institute of Sociology, local media reported Tuesday.

The survey involving 1,600 respondents from across Ukraine between Oct. 24 and Nov. 4 showed that 45 percent of those polled support joining the CU, while 33 percent respondents prefer entering the EU.

Support for the EU is highest among people from Ukraine's western and central regions, and lowest among those living in eastern, southern and northern regions.

When asked about employment prospects, 41 percent of respondents said they would be more likely to find a job if Ukraine joins the EU, while 39 percent expressed their belief that it would be easier for Ukrainian citizens to find a job after Kiev joins the CU.

Ukraine has been trying to find a mechanism of cooperation with the CU since the beginning of this year. However, the European Commission has repeatedly said that it is impossible for Ukraine to join the CU while at the same time having a free trade zone with the EU.

The Customs Union between Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia came into existence on Jan. 1, 2010. The three countries are going on with economic integration and have removed customs borders between one another.

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