Speaking at an international security conference in Sweden’s Visby, Ukraine’s European Solidarity Party leader Petro Poroshenko called on Western allies to stop fearing Putin and ensure Ukraine’s victory over Russia, emphasizing that the West possesses all the necessary capabilities and resources to defeat Russia in Ukraine, as reported on the party’s website on 30 September.
Former Ukrainian President Poroshenko, who lost previous presidential elections to Zelenskyy, warned that if Russia is not defeated, “a big war will come to Europe.” He urged allies to lift restrictions on missile strikes against Russian territory.
“What is happening in Ukraine concerns everyone in Europe and beyond. What is happening in Ukraine concerns global security, concerns the entire world,” Poroshenko stated. He explained, “Putin uses your fears as a weapon, and the recent changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine are a clear confirmation of this.“
Poroshenko highlighted the disparity in military spending, noting that while the EU and NATO aim for 3% of GDP, Russia officially spends nearly 7%. He emphasized, “This means we have a very difficult task.”
Answering the questions on Zelenskyy’s “Victory Plan,” Poroshenko outlined several non-negotiable “red lines” for Ukraine:
- No compromises on Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.
- No compromises on the Ukrainian Armed Forces in exchange for security.
- No compromises on territorial integrity, refusing to recognize Russian claims to Crimea or Donbas.
- No compromises on sanctions and aggressor responsibility.
- NATO membership for Ukraine is crucial for peace.
Poroshenko argued that Ukraine is not a burden for NATO, stating that Ukrainian military personnel are “the best trained and most experienced among NATO members.” He asserted that it’s in NATO’s interest to accept Ukraine for stable peace in the transatlantic zone.
The former president concluded with a call to action:
“My main message is stop being afraid of Putin. Do not allow him to use your fear as a weapon. Let’s take decisive steps towards a common victory. This will not be a Ukrainian victory – it will be a victory for the entire free democratic world. And, please, no ‘Ukrainian fatigue.’ Because this is not Ukrainian fatigue. This is fatigue from democracy, fatigue from freedom, fatigue from normal life.”
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