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 Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine suggested on Monday that he is not bending to international pressure to free his political rival, Yulia Timoshenko, despite his desire to complete a deal that would integrate the country with Western Europe.

Ms. Timoshenko was sentenced last week to seven years in prison, in a case that was condemned in both Russia and the West as politically motivated.

European leaders had hoped that the sentence might be hurriedly reversed in Ukraine’s Parliament this week — in part because Mr. Yanukovich is due for an official visit Thursday to Brussels, where leaders have warned that they may not receive him. Mr. Yanukovich poured cold water on such speculation on Monday, however, telling reporters he was willing to take that risk.

“The Europeans have not confirmed the meeting, but I will leave on Thursday in any case, to fly in that direction,” he said. “I am not going begging from anyone. If there is a need to meet, I am ready. If not, I will fly farther. We are partners, and we have mutual commitments.