Peace negotiations have reached a deadlock, and the situation in the Middle East is unfolding to Putin’s advantage, according to Petro Poroshenko. To strengthen Ukraine’s position, it is essential to unite internal efforts and bolster the diplomatic front, the fifth President stated during the “European Solidarity” party convention.
“Look how quickly talks of peace have vanished. The events currently unfolding in the Middle East are catastrophic for the world and highly dangerous for Ukraine. Unfortunately, they are beneficial for Putin,” Poroshenko believes.
“The first benefit for Putin is that the attention of the United States, NATO member states, and Gulf countries has shifted from concentrating pressure on Russia to end the war toward a very dangerous and damaging conflict that has led to a redistribution of the arms market. Air defense missiles, long-range missiles, and funding are being diverted there today. This is a gain for Putin,” Petro Poroshenko notes.
“The second point is oil prices rising from $60 to $110 per barrel. We forecast that if prices remain at this level for six months, Putin will receive an additional $300 billion. He will compensate for all Russian assets frozen in February 2022 within half a year. And all of it will go toward the war against us,” the party leader warns.
“Therefore, the role of diplomacy, the role of NATO, and coordination must reach an entirely different level. Our goal and our interest are to stop the war in the Gulf as quickly as possible, unite, and direct all efforts toward achieving peace,” says Poroshenko.
“How do we achieve peace? First, we need internal unity within the country – a national unity coalition in which fateful decisions for Ukraine are made with our participation. Second, the country is in a deep parliamentary crisis. We see this very clearly in Parliament because the ‘Servants’ [of the People] cannot pass a single law,” Poroshenko states.
“So, what should be done now? Internal unity. We are ready for representatives of our political force and our faction to join the negotiation team. The first step has been taken, as we would never have joined a negotiation team led by Yermak. We believe the current negotiation team offers hope for our potential involvement in this process,” Poroshenko said.
“The main argument Putin must hear is from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is long-range weapons. It is an air defense system. It is counter-technical intelligence measures and Electronic Warfare (EW). This is the price Putin must pay for every day the war continues,” says the fifth President.
“The second point is sanctions that will cut off Russian exports. What is needed for this? To end the war in the Middle East. To ensure that the suspension of sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet remains temporary. To lower oil prices. And to cut off Putin’s ability to finance his war. This is absolutely realistic,” Poroshenko believes.
“For the first time as a faction, we decided to vote for the Minister of Defense. This was done to receive clear assurances that our political force would be involved in strengthening the state’s defense capabilities. So far, we are keeping our word, and they are keeping theirs. We will see how it proceeds. This is a clear example that we stand for unity, for a government of national unity, and for peace,” Poroshenko said.
“Our position is based on the interests of Ukraine. Our goal is to unite society and all healthy political forces into a single team. Because unity is an essential condition for our future victory,” Petro Poroshenko concludes.