Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Volodymyr Khandohiy has called inappropriate the comparison of the trial of Ukraine's former premier Yulia Tymoshenko to that of Russia's business tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky AP Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Volodymyr Khandohiy has called inappropriate the comparison of the trial of Ukraine's former premier Yulia Tymoshenko to that of Russia's business tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

He said this in a letter published in the Financial Times newspaper on Friday in response to the paper's editorial dubbed "Ukraine has its Yukos moments" and dated July 20.

"Unlike [Russia's Prime Minister] Vladimir Putin, who repeatedly voiced his opinion throughout the Yukos trial, President Viktor Yanukovych has refused to comment on the current proceedings against Ms Tymoshenko, and neither will I," the Ukrainian diplomat said.

He stressed that in Ukraine the executive branch of government respects the judicial process and does not interfere or attempt to manipulate events.

Khandohiy labeled the comparison of these two trials as inapposite, misleading and ultimately false.

"Since the start of investigation by prosecutors, Ms Tymoshenko has spoken freely to media and to her supporters. She is not and has never been placed under arrest," the ambassador said.

According to him, this is far from the circumstances surrounding Khodorkovsky, "who was arrested by masked commandos, jailed and then 'caged' during his trial."

"There is no comparison whatsoever between Yukos and the open process taking place in Ukraine," the diplomat said.

According to the ambassador, Ukraine is pursuing stronger ties to Europe, with the ultimate goal of integration.

"Our commitment includes not just tangible internal reforms, but also a commitment to our shared values with Europe, a commitment to democracy, free expression and human rights," he summed up.