Yulia Tymoshenko: Europe should support Ukraine

Events in Ukraine are significant for the entire post-Soviet region, says Yulia Tymoshenko, the leader of the Batkivshchyna Party.

"When our country begins to regress, this impacts life throughout the post-Soviet region. Ukrainians feel a responsibility for this, but we also need Europe to support us," Yulia Tymoshenko said during a meeting with former President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

The former Latvia leader expressed regret that a woman didn’t become president of Ukraine and wished Yulia Tymoshenko success in the future. "It’s a shame that Ukraine lost the chance to have a woman president. But I wish you strength, inspiration and success in the future," said Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

Yulia Tymoshenko thanked her for her support and noted that "there had been crisis and political struggle in Ukraine before, but one thing hadn't changed – that freedom was being multiplied."

Yulia Tymoshenko believes Ukraine is experiencing an erosion of democracy and gradual restoration of an authoritarian regime, as evidenced by the systematic violations of the laws and Constitution by President Viktor Yanukovych and his government, neglect of people’s rights and freedoms, government intimidation and repression against the opposition, the judicial system’s subordination to the Presidential Administration, censorship, beatings and disappearance of journalists.

"The rights, freedoms and hopes of Ukrainians are being violated. This is dangerous not only for Ukraine, but potentially also for the EU," said Yulia Tymoshenko.

Vaira Vike-Freiberga underscored that European politicians are closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and expressed concern over recent events in the country. "Ukraine is very important to Europe. We’re concerned about Ukraine."

They also discussed the report on the future of the EU "Project Europe 2030" that was prepared by the Reflection Group. Vaira Vike-Freiberga is a vice-chair of the group.