A : We deplore the new sentence handed down to Mr. Lutsenko, which only serves to confirm the concerns already expressed by France and its European partners with respect to the blatantly unfair and politically motivated trials targeting Yulia Tymoshenko as well as several former Ukrainian leaders who joined the opposition.

We again urge Ukraine to put an end to the arbitrary administration of the justice system and to comply with the principles of the rule of law and its international obligations. Further rapprochement with the European Union, and notably the signing of the EU-Ukraine association agreement, can only be possible on this basis.

This is the message we’re sending to Ukraine, together with our European partners, notably in light of the parliamentary elections due to take place in the country this fall.