Washington calls on releasing Tymoshenko

The White House says the U.S. is "deeply disappointed" with the conviction and sentencing of a former Ukrainian prime minister, the Associated Press reports.

In a statement, the White House says Yulia Tymoshenko was convicted through a "politically motivated prosecution." The White House says the charges and conduct of the trial have raised serious concerns about Ukraine's commitment to democracy and rule of law.

Tymoshenko was sentenced Tuesday to seven years in prison on charges of abuse of office in signing a gas deal with Russia. The European Union and Russia also contend the verdict was politically motivated.

The White House is urging Ukraine to release Tymoshenko, as well as other political leaders and former government officials.

"The charges against Mrs. Tymoshenko and the conduct of her trial, as well as the prosecution of other opposition leaders and members of the preceding government, have raised serious concerns about the government of Ukraine's commitment to democracy and rule of law," said the written statement from White House press secretary Jay Carney, the Reuters reports.

The statement called for the release of Tymoshenko and others, saying "they should have an unrestricted ability to participate fully in political life, including next year's parliamentary elections."