Ukrainian President Poroshenko says he hates to be at war with Russia

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that Ukraine had plans for the the peaceful return of the territories of Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics within one year. 

Photo: Source: Pravda.Ru photo archive

Poroshenko made the announcement in an interview with Turkish TV channel TRT World, RIA Novosti news agency reports. "Ukraine will return the Donbass peacefully within one year," Poroshenko said. 

In the interview, Poroshenko traditionally accused Russia of aggression and said that he was obliged to protect his country as the commander-in-chief. "I hate to be at war with Russia, but as the commander-in-chief, I must defend Ukraine," said Poroshenko.

Donetsk and Luhansk launched the process for their self-determination in 2014 after President Viktor Yanukovych was removed from power as a result of a violent coup. The leaders of the two unrecognized republics accuse the new Ukrainian administration of infringing the rights of the Russian-speaking population and disagree with the political course of the Kiev government. 

Pravda.Ru 

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