Germany has urged Ukraine to release jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, or risk impeding the signing of a key agreement with the European Union.
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle made the comments after talks with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in Kyiv.
Westerwelle urged Kyiv to solve the Tymoshenko problem because "we want Ukraine to go the right way towards Europe."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara said authorities are looking for a solution.
Tymoshenko was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2011 for crimes related to a 2009 gas deal with Russia. She denies the charges as politically motivated.
The EU has long sought a pardon for Tymoshenko or at least her release for medical treatment abroad ahead of Ukraine's expected signing of an EU Association Agreement in Vilnius in November.
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle made the comments after talks with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in Kyiv.
Westerwelle urged Kyiv to solve the Tymoshenko problem because "we want Ukraine to go the right way towards Europe."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara said authorities are looking for a solution.
Tymoshenko was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2011 for crimes related to a 2009 gas deal with Russia. She denies the charges as politically motivated.
The EU has long sought a pardon for Tymoshenko or at least her release for medical treatment abroad ahead of Ukraine's expected signing of an EU Association Agreement in Vilnius in November.
