Dutch PM Rutte wants 'legally binding' assurances over Ukraine deal - sources

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte smiles during a news conference with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (not seen) at Chigi palace in Rome, Italy May 19, 2016. REUTERS/Max Rossi

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte asked European Union leaders on Tuesday for "legally binding" assurances to address his country's concerns over a trade and association deal with Ukraine and said The Hague would block it otherwise.

The Netherlands is the only EU state not to have ratified the bloc's agreement on closer political, security and trade ties with Kiev following a referendum in April in which the Dutch voted overwhelmingly to reject it.