Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko Sounds Hopeful Note About Country’s Crisis
After nearly a year of internal turmoil and several months of bloody conflict, Ukraine might be headed for more peaceful times, if President Petro Poroshenko's hopeful prognosis bears out.
Shutterstock
After nearly a year of internal turmoil and several months of bloody conflict, Ukraine might be headed for more peaceful times, if President Petro Poroshenko’s hopeful prognosis bears out.
Poroshenko claimed, in a news conference Thursday in Kiev, that “the most dangerous part of the war” between government forces and pro-Russian separatists is over. Although outbreaks of violence continued near Ukraine’s eastern border, Poroshenko stuck to his script about how his newly outlined six-year peace plan was sure to work (via The Associated Press):
Poroshenko’s plan includes reforming all major government agencies in the country. The president said he hoped those reforms would make the country ready for membership in the European Union by 2020.
But Poroshenko spent much of the news conference fielding questions about a conflict in the east of the country, where fighting between government and rebel forces has killed at least 3,500 people since mid-April. His peace proposal, which was laid out soon after he became president in June, were the foundation for agreements this month aimed at ending the fighting.
The first step was a cease-fire called three weeks ago that in the beginning was repeatedly violated. In recent days, reports of violations have decreased notably, although on Thursday the city council of Donetsk, the largest rebel stronghold in the region, said that artillery fire and other explosions could be heard throughout the city during the day.
Poroshenko was also planning to meet soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but only if the cease-fire was honored.
–Posted by Kasia Anderson
WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Middle East
An unconditional ceasefire to halt the violence on both sides must be the immediate priority. But while ceasefires are crucial, they are not enough.
Ear to the Ground
Despite massive international protests and overwhelming U.S. public support, Biden refuses to call for a ceasefire.
Politics
The Democrat from Illinois became the first U.S. Senator to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.
Activism
In a destabilizing moment like this, we need time-tested strategies and tactics that can help guide effective action.
Politics
"We can't bomb our way to peace, equality, and freedom," said Rep. Cori Bush. "With thousands of lives lost and millions more at stake, we need a cease-fire now."
Putin and Erdogan reach deal to try to ease escalating tensions with Assad-led forces in Idlib and say they will help refugees return home.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.