Current events

President Petro Poroshenko during his participation in the Freedom of Speech program emphasized: "Seizing Mariupol and smashing the road by land to Crimea has always been a priority for the “Russian world” strategists. The intelligence has constantly confirmed that”. “We will not tolerate the illegal capture of Ukrainian and foreign ships moving towards Ukrainian ports, including Mariupol, aimed to stop the mining and smelting complex operating in the Donbas," he said.

President Petro Poroshenko emphasized the importance of unity between the authorities and the opposition in the issue of Ukraine's accession to NATO. "No one will ever help us if we do not help ourselves. No one will ever help a split country, divided, undermined from the middle. This is exactly one of the methods of hybrid warfare," the President said.

During the Freedom of Speech program on ICTV channel, President Petro Poroshenko particularly noted that the Ukrainian anticorruption reforms had been commended during the EU and NATO Summits, including the law establishing the Supreme Anticorruption Court.

"Remember what was the discussion in society at that time? We had a lot of politicians who told that the non-aligned status is the only thing that will preserve the security of our state. I want to remind that Putin attacked us when we had non-aligned status enshrined in the law. And where are these politicians now? Why do not they answer to the Ukrainian people? Why did they block and cheat people then?" the President stressed.

President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko got acquainted with the course of Sea Breeze 2018 multinational maritime exercise, in which military personnel of NATO and partner countries takes part. The President made for the open sea on the Ukrainian Naval Forces' flagship frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy and got acquainted with the course of the first tactical exercise of the tactical group of small armored artillery boats.

During the working trip to Odesa region, President Petro Poroshenko visited the American command ship “Mount Whitney”, which takes part in the Sea Breeze 2018 multinational training, and met with Commander of the United States European Command Curtis Scaparrotti.

"This is not only the protection of Ukrainian territory. We are on the eastern flank of NATO. We jointly defend Europe," Petro Poroshenko said, adding: “We are open for the exchange of information, knowledge and practice, because Ukraine is practically the only country that has stopped the invasion of the Russian aggressor”.

"Our cooperation confirms unity and willingness to protect peace and common values together. Common values that unite us with our partners are democracy, freedom, the rule of law. Protection of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasized.

Petro Poroshenko especially emphasized the need to increase combat readiness of the Ukrainian Navy: "Now, the combat capability and combat readiness of the Naval Forces of Ukraine and interoperability with our partners, NATO allies and security allies in the Black Sea region are extremely important".

During his working visit to Ternopil region, President Petro Poroshenko took part in the Nationwide pilgrimage dedicated to the 1030th anniversary of Christianization of Ukraine-Rus’. "These days we begin to celebrate the 1030th anniversary of Christianization of Ukraine-Rus’ and the history of our statehood dates back to pre-Christian times. The upcoming holiday is a holiday common to most Ukrainian Christians. We belong to a unique Kyiv Christian tradition," the Head of State said.