KIEV, November 27 (RAPSI) - Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko may be released if she covers the damage caused to the federal budget, President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych said in an interview broadcast on Ukrainian TV channels.

Only a court can consider this situation, Yanukovych said.

“If she (Tymoshenko) did not commit a crime, the court will give an answer,” he said. "But if she committed a crime she must cover the losses." According to Yanukovych, the law of Ukraine warrants this procedure.

In October 2011, Tymoshenko was sentenced to seven years in prison for abuse of power. The judge said she abused her powers when she signed a 2009 deal with Moscow, under which Ukraine paid a high price for Russian gas. She also faces accusations in a high-profile murder case.