Member of Parliament and leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko, has confirmed reports about a meeting between opposition representatives and the team of U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Facebook, he stated that the meeting was not secret and focused on holding elections after the end of martial law, Ukrinform reports.
“With our American partners we work publicly and transparently to maintain bipartisan support for Ukraine,” the MP noted.
Poroshenko emphasized that the opposition had repeatedly proposed coordinating such meetings with the government and inviting the U.S. ambassador to attend. At the same time, he stressed that the opposition had frequently spoken publicly about the lack of communication between Ukraine’s leadership and the U.S. administration, “which poses risks to the state.”
“The essence of our discussions with American representatives has always been based on two principles: security first and peace through strength. Specifically, this means weapons, intelligence, sanctions against Russia, financial support, democratic resilience (freedom and democracy), and transatlantic unity,” the European Solidarity leader stated.
He also reiterated that his faction had always been and remained categorically against holding elections during the war. “We have said, and continue to say, that elections can only take place after a ceasefire and the signing of a peace agreement with security guarantees for Ukraine,” Poroshenko assured.
“At that point, martial law will obviously end. No later than 180 days after that, free and democratic elections should be held to ensure the will of the people and the trust of the free world,” the politician added.
The MP reminded that in 2019, fair and democratic elections were held, resulting in the victory of Volodymyr Zelensky and the Servant of the People party, which later formed a parliamentary majority.
“In my communications with allies, I also insist on increasing arms supplies, on strengthening sanctions against Russia, and on clear red lines that must not be crossed in peace negotiations. Our key task today is to protect Ukraine’s interests and ensure its European development. This is the responsibility of every Ukrainian politician, regardless of whether they are in power or in the opposition,” the fifth President of Ukraine stressed.
Ukrinform has also reached out for a comment from representatives of the Fatherland (Batkivshchyna) party.
As previously reported by Politico, four senior figures from the entourage of U.S. President Donald Trump held secret talks with Fatherland leader Yulia Tymoshenko and members of European Solidarity, including Petro Poroshenko.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated in an interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman that, according to Ukrainian law, elections will be held immediately after martial law is lifted.
Photo: prm.ua
Source: Poroshenko confirms meeting with Trump representatives
