Poroshenko Takes Oath In Strife Ridden Ukraine

Poroshenko Takes Oath In Strife Ridden Ukraine

Even as tycoon Petro Poroshenko has been sworn in as the Ukrainian President, Ukraine still remains on the cusp of a full-scale war. Economic troubles and violent uprisings are being faced by the citizens of Ukraine even after the new president has assumed power.

Poroshenko is a candy tycoon who won the Ukrainian elections 3 months after pro-Russia Viktor Yanukovych fled the country. The election occurred on May 25 this year and Poroshenko had the right numbers. In his inaugural speech, Poroshenko is hopefully going to discuss how he will restore peace in Ukraine. But the task is far from easy. Pro-Russian separatists are fighting in eastern parts of this nation even as Poroshenko assumes office.

Though Poroshenko was elected with more than 54% of the vote share, any of this is unlikely to have come from pro-Russia citizens. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by the delegations from the West including the US Vice-President, EU president and presidens of Germany as well as Poland.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was not invited to the ceremony. He has indicated his intention of respecting the wishes of the people of Ukraine. However, Russia has also accused pro-Western government in Kiev as being “junta” and criticised Western support for this government.

Following the election of Poroshenko, government forces have commenced with a campaign against separatist fighters in eastern Ukraine. East Ukraine wants to break away from Kiev and join Russia. The rebels are now turning East Ukraine into a war zone. Residents have shared with the media how shelling continued throughout the day.

Russian and Ukrainian Presidents have also had their share of consultations with each other following the WW II commemorations. There has been some agreement on the need for ceasefire between Kiev's government forces and pro-Russian separatists. But the matter remains ambiguous. Putin has recently told media person that he welcomes proposals from Poroshenko for ending the conflict. He also declined to indicate what they were and talked of an end to punitive military operation against the separatists. East Ukraine is not the only issue of contention between the two presidents. Ukraine and Russia have also been at odds regarding the pricing of Russian gas. Moscow has been threatening to cut off gas supplies unless the debt is settled by Ukraine.

The dynamics are clearer when it comes to what the 3 parties in the conflict feel. Poroshenko wants to bridge the east-west gap and end the conflict. The West is supportive. Russia wants to win the geopolitical fight. But what is most important is what the people of Ukraine want and need. When India faced a partition, it was because two communities did not see eye to eye with each other. Now the same country is home to people of all faiths and communities. Ukraine should aim to restore peace. The question is what price the peace will come at. War is too heavy a price for peace in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world.