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Supporters of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko decorate a poster near Pechersky Court in Kyiv. AP Head of the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies Volodymyr Fesenko has forecast that the most likely scenario for the trial of former Ukrainian Premier Yulia Tymoshenko would be the decriminalization of the article under which she was charged via the adoption of a presidential bill following her trial.

"The most likely scenario for the trial of Tymoshenko could be decriminalization of Tymoshenko's article via adoption of the presidential bill on decriminalization of economic crimes," he said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

Fesenko agreed with a forecast made by Verkhovna Rada Deputy Chairman Mykola Tomenko on Wednesday, according to which Part 3, Article 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine under which Tymoshenko was charged could be decriminalized during the second reading of the president's bill on the decriminalization of economic crimes.

"[This will take place] when the verdict on the Tymoshenko case is pronounced. Due to this the authorities will realize two strategic goals – preserve their political image, demonstrate strength and consistency by pronouncing Tymoshenko guilty, at the same time [the verdict] will be softened by the decriminalization after the trial to satisfy the Europeans," the political scientist said.

Fesenko added that the court proceedings on the Tymoshenko case would continue after the trial by Pechersky Court. The expert forecast that the court would find Tymoshenko guilty and that she will appeal.