Only standing united we can defeat Russia – Poroshenko on results of Biden-Putin negotiations

KYIV. Dec 9 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Fifth president of Ukraine (2014-2019), leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko, welcomes the U.S. support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the readiness to introduce new sanctions, while advising current President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to stop ignoring the emanating from the Russian Federation threat.

"I call on Ukrainian authorities to stop ignoring the threat, not to be silent and, most importantly, to act – to do everything possible to actively coordinate efforts with our allies to increase pressure on the aggressor. Because it seems that the restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine is of more interest to our partners, and not to the current government," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook.

According to him, it is also important that Zelensky abandon the temptation of separate negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and join the diplomatic efforts of partners. "Only together, as a united front, can we defeat the Russian monster," the politician said.

Poroshenko called the conversation between U.S. President Joseph Biden and Putin about the escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine a necessary step towards creating conditions to prevent war, but noted that much more needs to be done to restore peace.

"It is extremely important that President Biden in the negotiations acted in a coordinated and united front with NATO allies […] We welcome the steadfast and unwavering support of the American leadership for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as the right of the Ukrainian people to independently choose their own geopolitical course. We fully support the approach to the so-called two ‘D’s – a call for immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic way of settlement […] We believe that this approach should be strengthened by the third D – the de-occupation of the Ukrainian territories of Donbas and Crimea," the politician said.

According to him, Washington’s active involvement in these processes would help to achieve this goal. "We welcome the declared readiness of the U.S. and EU partners to strike a powerful sanctions blow on Russia in the event of a further escalation of the situation. The cost of aggression against Ukraine must be unbearable for the Kremlin," Poroshenko said, calling the signals from the U.S. readiness to continue strengthening the defense capabilities and stability of Ukraine encouraging.