Ukraine sought to draw a line under its confrontation with Moscow by ratifying a landmark trade-and-political deal with the European Union and approving limited autonomy for territories now controlled by Russia-backed separatists.

But with full implementation of the EU deal postponed under Russian pressure, and the rebels insisting on independence, the developments illustrated Kiev's weakened position—almost a year after Moscow began flexing its muscle to keep the ex-Soviet republic in its orbit.

Many lawmakers in Kiev broke into the national anthem and cried "Glory to Ukraine" after the EU deal passed with 355 votes in the 450-seat legislature. President Petro Poroshenko hailed it as a first step toward eventual membership in the bloc.

"No country has paid such a high price for its European choice," he said before the vote. "After that who can close the door to Ukraine?"

But despite patriotic fervor and the symbolism of a video link with the European Parliament, which also approved the deal, the victory for Kiev's new, pro-Western government has been hollowed out by events of the past year.