Power fight in Ukraine

Prime Minister Leonid Kuchma is fiercely opposed by Yulia Tymoshenko

MOSCOW, Russia -- A former Ukrainian deputy prime minister facing corruption charges has announced her ambition to return to politics.

Yulia Tymoshenko, who was sacked by President Leonid Kuchma, said she would accept any senior government position to carry out "key changes" including ending her nation's dependence on Russia.

Relations between Russia and Ukraine have been strained recently over payments for gas supplies and a Russian call to place tariffs on imports of Ukrainian steel pipes - a key Ukrainian industry.

Tymoshenko was sacked amid a scandal over Kuchma's alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Heorhiy Gongadze.

Kuchma denies any part in the killing and despite repeated Ukrainian protest marches has refused to resign.

Tymoshenko is currently recovering in hospital after a stay in remand prison ahead of a trial on corruption charges. The Supreme Court is to rule whether prosecutors can take her back to prison.

Tymoshenko, who said she would accept the posts of president, prime minister or deputy prime minister, added she was determined to end Ukraine's dependence on its giant neighbour.

"If I achieve my dream and return to power... I am sure that Ukraine will be rid of its economic dependence on Russia in the delivery of energy products," she told Russian daily Kommersant.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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