KIEV — Ukraine's Foreign Ministry described threats by European powers to boycott the Euro football championship it will host in June as a return to Cold War tactics.
"I would not like to think that German state leaders can reanimate methods of the Cold War period and make sports a hostage of politics," Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Voloshin told Interfax on Monday.
He was responding to a German government spokesman, who said any visit by Chancellor Angela Merkel to Ukraine during the tournament was linked to the fate of Yulia Tymoshenko, convicted last October in a case her supporters say was politically driven.
Earlier, Czech President Vaclav Klaus joined German President Joachim Gauck in canceling participation at a summit of Central European presidents in the Ukrainian Black Sea resort of Yalta on May 11 and 12 over Tymoshenko's case.
Ukraine now faces more potential boycotts by European politicians during the tournament, which it will co-host with Poland.
Viviane Reding, EU commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship, has also urged Michel Platini, president of European football's governing body UEFA, to raise the issue of Tymoshenko with Ukraine.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.