WASHINGTON — The White House says the U.S. is "deeply disappointed" with the conviction and sentencing in Ukraine of a former prime minister.
In a statement, the White House says Yulia Tymoshenko was convicted through a "politically motivated prosecution." The White House says the charges and conduct of the trial has raised serious concerns about Ukraine’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Tymoshenko was sentenced Tuesday to seven years in prison on charges of abuse of office in signing a gas deal with Russia. The European Union and Russia also contend the verdict was politically motivated.
The White House is urging Ukraine to release Tymoshenko, as well as other political leaders and former government officials.
