A leading contender in Ukraine's upcoming presidential election says some pro-Russian insurgents in the east of the country only understand "the language of force."
Billionaire chocolate magnate Petro Poroshenko said Wednesday, on a trip to Berlin where he was to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel, that restoring law and order in the east is a priority and he wants to see economic conditions in the majority Russian-speaking region improved.
But he says there must be "zero tolerance" for armed separatists who have seized several towns and engaged with government forces.
Poroshenko, a front-runner in the May 25 election, says he would be ready to negotiate further decentralization of power in Ukraine and hold a referendum, provided it is free and fair.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.