You're reading: Yanukovych denies political motives for trial of Tymoshenko

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has denied the trial in Ukraine of leading opposition politician Yulia Tymoshenko is politically motivated.

"We categorically reject such allegations," Yanukovych said, adding that the country’s code of criminal procedures was under revision, and many offences, which are considered as criminal acts today, would be revised in the amended Criminal Code.

However, Yanukovych declined to speculate on when the new laws might come into effect or if that would affect the outcome of the Tymoshenko trial.

"It’s difficult for me to foresee or forecast the court’s ruling, and our subsequent actions will depend on that," Yanukovych said.

The president also refused to tell the Associated Press what would happen to the former premier of Ukraine.

The interview was published under the headline "Ukraine Leader Mum about Tymoshenko."