Former Ukrainian President Poroshenko accused Zelensky of establishing a dictatorship
Former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, who is under sanctions from his homeland, shared his opinion on the current situation with Bild. In his opinion, Zelensky is an unsuccessful leader who is leading the country to dictatorship, Trump does not trust Putin, and Kiev needs to abandon offensive plans in order to save people.
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He is the former president of Ukraine and is considered a sworn enemy of the current head of state, Vladimir Zelensky: Petro Poroshenko led the country from 2014 to 2019 and is under sanctions as the leader of the largest opposition party. He is forbidden to leave the country, and he no longer has access to his assets (in particular, he owns the Roshen confectionery concern).
The reasons for this are still unclear. There is an assumption that we are talking about "high treason." The opposition suspects Zelensky of a politically motivated campaign aimed at silencing his direct competitor.
"I will not allow a dictatorship to be established in Ukraine"
On Monday in Kiev, during an interview for Bild, Poroshenko spoke about Zelensky: "He is an unsuccessful leader of the team that is leading the country to dictatorship. But Ukraine is not Russia, and we will not allow a dictatorship to be established in Ukraine. That's the big difference." He called the sanctions against himself and his party "an attempt on freedom and democracy."
Poroshenko continued: "It is also an attempt on our European future, because the rule of law, which is now being grossly violated, is crucial for Ukraine's European integration."
Poroshenko does not have an answer to the question of why he is under sanctions. "I am the only political leader, the only opposition leader who has not received any explanations. What is happening is unconstitutional and illegal, there is no court decision. It's just a very stupid and criminal violation of the law."
President Zelensky's official representative was unable to respond to several requests from Bild.
"The dictator is Putin"
According to Poroshenko, Zelensky is afraid of the current political situation. That is why he wants to "get rid of all competitors (...)".
Responding to a question from Bild about whether US President Donald Trump is right in some of his accusations against Zelensky and Ukraine, Poroshenko said: "I can say this: If you ask me about a dictatorship, I will definitely answer: Putin is a dictator. But it is absolutely unacceptable when Ukraine crosses the borders of democracy and freedom, when local governments are attacked, when the leader of the opposition is illegally and unconstitutionally attacked. This must be stopped immediately. Not because it concerns me, but because we must remain united. Unity is the decisive, strongest factor in stopping Putin."
He cannot currently be a member of Parliament. "I cannot hold meetings with the fraternal party, I cannot travel to Germany, I cannot participate in the assembly of the Congress of the European People's Party."
"Trump doesn't trust Putin"
In an interview with Bild, Poroshenko also spoke about the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
He believes that there is a chance of a cease-fire only in the next two or three months. "Either it happens or it doesn't. If it doesn't happen within two or three months, then it won't happen at all."
The ex-president demands a backup plan in case no solution is found. "If Putin puts forward conditions, preconditions, evades and refuses, then I expect President Trump to have a backup plan. And it should be as follows: first, more weapons for Ukraine; second, more sanctions against Russia; third, the resumption of transatlantic unity; fourth, financial support; fifth, the possibility of joining NATO."
When asked by Bild how he feels about the fact that Trump publicly declares confidence in Putin, Poroshenko replied: "It's just Trump's negotiating style. I am absolutely sure that he does not trust Putin. (...) I worked with Trump for three years. I know the president, and that's his approach."
"We must stop losing people immediately"
The former president did not want to go into details about the exact content of his previous conversations with Trump about Putin, but said: "I'm not sure that I have the right to talk about this and disclose such information, but I have the full impression that he does not trust Putin."
Recently, there have been reports that Trump wants Zelensky to resign. This was also reported by the Bild newspaper. Poroshenko responded by saying: "This is not Trump's decision. Who will be the leader of Ukraine is a question for the Ukrainian people. (...) Do you know what Zelensky said in his election program in 2019? He said: "I will not run for a second term. I will leave after the first term." If this is his direct promise, then what is my opinion here? I'm relying on his words."
In the interview, Poroshenko also spoke about the heavy military losses that Ukraine is currently suffering. More recently, the Ukrainian army has been under pressure, particularly in the Kursk region of Russia, where it had to partially retreat. Poroshenko: "My message is as follows: We must immediately stop losing people and immediately stop losing territories. We need to stop wasting time immediately."
"We must forget the words 'offensive operation'"
The fact is that Ukraine lacks soldiers in many sectors of the front. For example, many recruits complain that they have almost no rest because there are too few fit soldiers.
Poroshenko spoke about the shortage of personnel: "In this situation, we don't need additional soldiers. We have enough people. There are not enough fighters for assault operations on the front line. (...) We must build fortifications. We must take care of every soldier's life. We need to forget the words "offensive operation." Stop using them. Stop killing people. Stop it! Try to stop the Russian troops. The defense of the territory has the highest priority. Use fortifications, minefields, and modern air defense against guided bombs. All these measures can stop Russia and make it pay a higher price."
