Ukraine is in the epicenter of international scandals over health condition of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Five European leaders have cancelled visits to Ukraine amid growing concern over alleged mistreatment of the jailed Tymoshenko.
Presidents of Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Slovenia would not attend the Yalta summit of Central and East European leaders on 11-12 May.
Daughter of the ex-prime minister of Ukraine has told media recently that the health state of her mother was seriously deteriorated. On Friday images appeared showing bruises on her body, which she says prison guards inflicted. She is being held in Kharkov, eastern Ukraine.
After seeing the photos Sweden`s Foreign Ministry summoned the Ukrainian ambassador and demanded an explanation.
European Commissioner Jose Manuel Barroso joined the boycott today. He cancelled his visit to the Euro2012 championship, which is due to begin in six weeks.
Despite the scandal, UEFA does not intend to change the host country of the European tournament.
Ukrainian authorities have not made official comment regarding the scandal yet.
