Former Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko has said that the world shouldn’t trust the information being conveyed by Russian president Vladimir Putin, and his office, regarding negotiations with Ukraine, after Russia invaded the country, CNN reported.
In an interview with CNN, Poroshenko said, “I want to ask all the CNN viewers, all the people of the world, with one very simple request: Please don’t trust Putin. Don’t believe Putin. And, two, don’t be afraid of Putin”.
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His statements come as Kremlin announced that it had halted Russia’s military advancements in Ukraine, awaiting the nation to enter negotiations. However, after the Volodymyr Zelenskyy-led government in Kyiv allegedly did not agree to talks, Putin ordered troops to continue their progress. CNN reported a Ukrainian presidential advisor denying that Ukraine refused to negotiate with Russia.
When asked about the current Ukrainian president’s refusal to evacuate, the former head of state said, “I think that now it’s a decisive moment for my nation. And every single person make a decision for themselves”, as per CNN.
Notably, Zelenskyy was asked to evacuate by the US, but refused, saying he needed ammunition, not a ride, and chose to stay back in Ukraine as the country faced an onslaught from Russian forces.
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Poroshenko also told CNN that he’s willing to die for his country if that is what it requires. He stated, “If I’m ready, unfortunately, yes. I hate the idea to be my country occupied and I think that we should do our best to protect the nation, to protect the nation against Russian aggressor, definitely bring the risk … Everybody here all the young and old people fully understand that we have this risk. But many, the biggest part, make a decision to take the rifle and to protect the nation. I’m proud for these people. I’m proud of this country. And I’m proud to be Ukrainian”, as per CNN.
