Tymoshenko ready to back Yushchenko in case of failing the election

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko will back current President Viktor Yushchenko in upcoming presidential polls if she fails to get past the first round, RIA Novosti reported, citing Unian news agency.

"In the second round of voting, we should think about Ukraine. If I am not in the run-off, I will certainly support a democratic candidate, despite the history of our relations," the prime minister was quoted as telling Lviv TV when asked about Yushchenko.

Now, alongside Viktor Yanukovych, the leader of the opposition Party of Regions and the president's opponent in the controversial 2004 race, the braid-wearing prime minister is considered a leading candidate ahead of the January 17 elections. Yushchenko is struggling to reach double figures in opinion polls.

Last week, Tymoshenko said she was ready to join hands with the president "for the sake of Ukraine."