BERLIN
Ukraine’s new president Petro Poroshenko has called for a new security alliance with the U.S. and Europe.
“We basically need a new security alliance with the U.S. and Europe to protect Ukraine militarily. As president, I will fight for this alliance and undertake talks immediately,” Poroshenko said in an interview with Germany’s largest mass-circulation daily, Bild.
Ukrainians elected pro-European businessman Poroshenko on Sunday as president. He received some 54 percent of the popular vote in the first round.
While Poroshenko has vowed to establish a new security alliance with the United States and Europe, he remained cautious in the interview on prospects for NATO membership.
When asked about whether he wants Ukraine to be part of NATO, Poroshenko said: “There is no majority in the country at the moment in favor of NATO membership.”
Russia has long opposed NATO membership for Ukraine and viewed continued eastward expansion of the alliance as a potential military threat.
Ukraine’s new president blamed Russia for supporting separatists in the eastern part of his country by providing weapons and training.
“Russia’s goal was, and is, to keep the Ukraine unstable. That way, we will accept anything that Russia wants,” he said. “But from the very clear results of this election, I believe that Putin has been obviously surprised. Democratic elections are the best answer to threats from Russia.”
Poroshenko called on Western partners to use all means possible to put further pressure on Russia.
“I definitely want to speak with [Russian president Vladimir] Putin and conduct talks in order to stabilize the situation,” he said. “I am very optimistic and believe that we can find peace in just a few months, if Russia is willing to cooperate.”
www.aa.com.tr/en
