Poroshenko calls on EU and the United States to increase pressure on Russia because of interference in Ukrainian elections
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with the delegation of the US National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the European Parliament. During the meeting, he called on the EU and the US to increase pressure on Russia because to interventions in the electoral processes in Ukraine, stated the press service of the president.
“The head of the state discussed with the representatives of NDI and the European Parliament the pre-election situation in the country and the latest development in the territories of the Donbas and Crimea occupied by Russia. The president cited examples of Russia’s interference in the electoral process in Ukraine and called on Western partners to increase sanctions on the aggressor country,” the statement said.
At the same time, Poroshenko expressed gratitude for the support Ukraine received from partners and allies in countering Russian aggression and restoring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
According to the news report, the parties of the meeting said that the presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine planned for 2019 are not an obstacle to the Minsk or Normandy talks.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said that meetings in the Normandy format before the presidential elections in Ukraine planned for March 31 make no sense. In addition, Putin said that he “expects to improve relations” with Ukraine’s new authorities after the elections.