The British Government has announced it will boycott Euro 2012 matches over human rights concerns - as the championship stages its first game.
The government said it "fully supported" England's participation in the Euros , but that no UK ministers would attend the initial stages of the tournament.
The decision is due to anger over the treatment of Ukraine's opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, who has been jailed for seven years for "abuse of power while in office".
Supporters claim it was a show trial.
The former prime minister staged a hunger strike in April after she accused guards of assaulting her, and photos appeared showing bruises on her body.
Other European countries , including Germany and France, have also said they will boycott the competition.
But Ukraine's president called on his country to give visitors a warm welcome during the month-long championship.
"In the days ahead, the attention of the world will be focused on our country," Viktor Yanukovich said.
"I urge you to show full Ukrainian hospitality, sincerity and friendliness."
The UK government said it was reviewing whether ministers would attend the end stages of the competition.
"The Government fully supports England's participation in Euro 2012. We hope this is a successful tournament for the England team, the fans and the people of Ukraine and Poland," a Foreign office statement said.
"No ministers will be attending group games at Euro 2012.
"We are keeping attendance at later stages of the tournament under review in the light of ministers' busy schedules ahead of the Olympics and widespread concerns about selective justice and the rule of law in Ukraine."
Foreign Secretary William Hague added that there were "serious problems of course in Ukraine".
The England team have based themselves in Krakow in southern Poland, despite their group matches all being in Ukraine.
