Petro Poroshenko, a pro-European billionaire, was sworn in as Ukraine's fifth president. Poroshenko was very vocal in his promise to end the separatist insurrection in the east and he also expressed a new resolve that Russia would not have its way. During his inaugural address, Poroshenko called for the rebel fighters in eastern Ukraine to put down their weapons and stop fighting. He also promised a safe return home for Russian mercenaries. However, Poroshenko was very clear in that there would be no negotiations with armed insurgents, which raises the "prospect of further bloodshed as the Ukrainian military seeks to squash the rebellion".
During the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day in France, the U.S and its Western allies expressed a new hope of a democratic resolution with Russia after meetings with Putin. However, the relationship between Ukraine and Russia is still unclear. Poroshenko told Putin that Ukraine would never accept Russia's annexation of Crimea. Poroshenko said this, and more, but then also stated that he hoped to mend relations with Russia. He stated that Ukraine will never know true peace unless it resolves its issues with Russia.
Poroshenko earned his fortune by making chocolate, and has strong business ties with Russia and some companies there. It will be interesting to see if this will affect the decisions he makes or the relationship he hopes to forge with Russia.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/08/world/europe/poroshenko-sworn-in-as-president-of-strife-torn-ukraine.html?hp&_r=0
Ann Nenoff
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment