Ukraine denounces 'destructive' boycott threat to Euro 2012

London, May 4 (ANI): The Ukraine foreign ministry has denounced a European Union boycott of next month's Euro 2012 football championship, calling it "destructive".

According to the BBC, the foreign ministry said the move would undermine the image of the tournament and be detrimental to millions of Ukrainians and Poles. Poland, which is co-hosting the event, has also criticised any boycott.

Several European leaders are considering cancelling their trips to Ukraine, in protest over the treatment of jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.ymoshenko, whose trial last year was condemned as politically motivated, is on a hunger strike after allegedly being beaten by prison guards. She was jailed last year for abuse of office.

Tymoshenko is an arch-rival of Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych, who beat her to the presidency in February 2010.

The statement from the Ukrainian foreign ministry said sport events were designed to bring unity, and criticised what it said were attempts to politicise them.

"A successful championship will be a victory not for politicians, parties or ideologies, but for all Ukrainians and Poles. Its failure will be a loss for millions," the statement said.

Austria and Belgium have already refused to attend the games, and the Dutch government said it would boycott it unless there was significant improvement in Tymoshenko's human rights.

The UK and Germany have also expressed concern over Tymoshenko's situation.

Russia, however is opposed to calls for a boycott.

The opening games of the month-long Euro 2012 will be held on 9 June. (ANI)