Former Ukrainian President Poroshenko Warns Sanctions Against Him Are a Warning to All Potential Candidates

Reported by Kokcha News Agency:
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its third year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces criticism for some of his actions and approaches during the conflict. Among his critics is former President Petro Poroshenko, who served from 2014 to 2019. In an interview with The Times of the UK, Poroshenko accused Zelensky of displaying “authoritarian instincts” and attempting to eliminate political rivals.

Poroshenko claimed that Zelensky is pursuing a policy of ruling Ukraine with an “iron fist.”

“He Hates Me on a Biological and Chemical Level”
This year, the current Kyiv government imposed sanctions on Poroshenko, which could potentially prevent him from running in future elections. Poroshenko pointed the finger at Zelensky, saying, “Why is he doing this? Because he hates me on a biological and chemical level… Honestly, I don’t like Zelensky either. But I haven’t done anything hostile against him during the war.”

Poroshenko, who leads the second-largest faction in parliament, criticized Zelensky for trying to block his access to the legislature. “He thinks he has the power to prevent me from entering parliament, doesn’t he? He’s just violating the constitution, and there’s absolutely no difference from Russia,” he said.

“Learn from Bibi”
Amid the ongoing war, concerns are growing about the concentration of power around Zelensky. His supporters argue that this is a result of the country’s current situation.

Poroshenko, who claims he wants to advise rather than criticize Zelensky, described the Ukrainian president’s meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as a “disaster.” He also made a veiled reference to authoritarianism, suggesting that Zelensky should learn from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s experience in dealing with Trump and Iran.

“My Complaints Are for After the War”
In February, the Ukrainian government imposed a series of sanctions on Poroshenko, freezing his bank accounts and banning him from traveling abroad or attending parliamentary sessions. The State Security Service justified the sanctions by citing “threats to national security,” which Poroshenko denied.

Poroshenko, who has largely refrained from criticizing the government since the war began, addressed Zelensky directly, saying, “I’m not your enemy. I’m shoulder to shoulder with you. I don’t have complaints against you now; that will come later, after the war… But now, unity is key to our success.”

A Warning to All Candidates
Poroshenko, a billionaire who made his fortune in the chocolate industry before entering politics, played a significant role in rebuilding Ukraine’s armed forces after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the start of the war in Donbas.

He believes the sanctions against him are intended to prevent him from running in the next presidential election, which was postponed due to the war. Poroshenko warned that the measures taken against him should serve as a warning to all potential candidates.

“Today it’s Poroshenko, tomorrow it’s Zaluzhny, the next day it’s someone else. This is authoritarianism,” he said.