Tymoshenko calls on Europe not to desolate Ukraine

Jailed former Ukrainian President Yulia Tymoshenko has called on EU officials not to desolate Ukraine and its future amid key foreign policy talks.

Tymoshenko, who is on a hunger strike in order to demand a Ukraine-EU association agreement, sent a message through her daughter during the Vilnius Summit on Nov. 28, reports LETA.

"Especially now, when the Ukraine's Government has changed the situation and it is not clear what is the direction of Ukraine, it is very important that Europe's leaders will not desolate Ukraine and its democracy," said Yevhenia Tymoshenko.

"Yesterday, my mother declared that if Viktor Yanukovych was to change his opinion and if he was not to sign the agreement, she would encourage the leaders of Europe to sign the agreement, even if the criteria were no satisfied."

Tymoshenko was jailed in 2008 for alleged abuses of office, a charge EU officials calls politically motivated. 

Ukrainian President Yanukovych who has refused calls to release her is in Vilnius on Nov. 28-29 for key talks. Ukraine suspended an association agreement with the European Union this week. 

Thousands are protesting in Kiev for closer EU ties.