Tymoshenko: The Ukrainian Patient
By VOR
By Svetlana Kalmykova
Russia is prepared to accept jailed ex-Ukraine’s PM Yulia Tymoshenko for medical treatment if Ukraine agrees to let her leave the country, Russia’s PM Vladimir Putin said in an interview on May 3.
On October 11, 2011 Tymoshenko was sentenced to 7 years in prison for abuse of office when signing the 2009 gas deals with Russia. She was found guilty of conducting gas talks with Moscow without the approval of Ukraine’s government.
At the time, Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev stated that it was Ukraine’s internal affair but urged it to refrain from anti-Russian overtones in connection with this case because Russia’s Gazprom acted in compliance with the laws of both countries.
Russia’s newly elected president Vladimir Putin agrees:
“Russian lawyers thoroughly checked everything before signing the deal and it conformed to Russia’s and Ukraine’s law 100%.
Our lawyers always study the other country’s legislation to avoid any risks.”
Russia’s Prime Minister was also surprised about the intention of some European countries to boycott Euro 2012 which is due to be held in Ukraine and Poland.
“I think that one shouldn’t mix politics, business and sports. I stick to the IOC principle – sports is above politics.”
Russia is now awaiting Ukraine’s response on whether Yulia Tymoshenko will be allowed to come to Russia. The jailed Prime Minister herself is yet to comment on the issue.
