Obama plans meeting with Poroshenko, which is not on Russian agenda

U.S. President Barack Obama called Ukrainian President-Elect Petro Poroshenko on May 27 to congratulate him on his victory and offer the full support of the U.S., reported the White House. Obama stressed the importance of implementing the reforms necessary to bring the country together and to develop a sustainable economy, attractive investment climate and transparent and accountable government that is responsive to the concerns and aspirations of all Ukrainians. He also said the U.S. would continue assisting Ukraine in these efforts. The two presidents agreed to continue their discussion during Obama’s upcoming trip to Europe.

Russian and Ukrainian diplomats are currently not discussing or considering any plans for Poroshenko to visit Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a May 27 press conference. If Poroshenko finds a dialogue with Ukrainian citizens, particularly the residents of the southeast, then “he’ll find a serious and reliable partner in Russia,” he said, as reported by the Interfax news agency. He pointed out that even international observers called on Poroshenko to avoid labels such as “terrorists” and “separatists.” He called on him to engage in an inclusive dialogue with them. “That’s the main criterion now by which the true intention of the Kyiv government, and Petro Poroshenko personally, will be examined,” Lavrov said.

Zenon Zawada: The Russian government won’t be satisfied with anything Poroshenko does that falls short of complete submission to its imperialist foreign policy goals. The best that Poroshenko can hope for is to eventually earn reluctant recognition from the Russian government, which can only come by spending the first year of his presidency establishing a stable and strong government and military. A stable government will depend on the results of the parliamentary elections, which may hurt Poroshenko if rival parties make big gains. We see no obstacles to bolstering the military beyond simple financing.