Ukrainian independent parliamentarian Petro Poroshenko has said he is ready to support any bill that could allow convicted former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko travel abroad for treatment so that Ukraine can sign the Association Agreement with the EU.

He also said that the signing of the document was not a way to "run away from Russia."

"They say that by signing the Association Agreement with the European Union, Ukraine will run away from Russia. That's absolutely wrong. It's our escape from the Soviet past," Poroshenko told journalists in Kyiv on Thursday.

The parliamentarian also said that "Russia should also take such steps away from the Soviet past."

"In this context our cooperation could be very fruitful," he said.

Poroshenko also said that the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU would contribute to the implementation of necessary reforms for the development of competitive economy in Ukraine.

"Ukraine is interested in this dialogue, Ukraine is open to this dialogue, Ukraine wants this dialogue. Both Ukraine and Russia are interested in it," Poroshenko said.

Asked which of the bills on treatment of convicts abroad registered in the parliament he could support, Poroshenko said: "I am ready to vote for any bill that will give Tymoshenko a chance to travel abroad for treatment and eliminate the problems preventing Ukraine from signing the Association Agreement."