German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she supports BYT leader Yulia Tymoshenko in her struggle for democracy in Ukraine. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she supports BYT leader Yulia Tymoshenko in her struggle for democracy in Ukraine.

"Any steps being taken by Ukraine and its leadership will be carefully assessed in Europe to see if the rhetoric corresponds to actual actions," Merkel was quoted by Tymoshenko's official Web site as saying at a meeting in Aachen, Germany, on Thursday.

Tymoshenko and Merkel also discussed the political situation in Ukraine, especially aspects linked to the rule of law, human rights and civil liberties.

They paid particular attention to ensuring and developing the energy independence of Ukraine as a key component of ensuring the energy security of the whole of Europe.

Tymoshenko is visiting the German city of Aachen on Thursday, where a ceremony to award the Charlemagne Prize to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took place.