Pyotr Poroshenko’s four problems

... operation (ATO) may lead to de facto independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, depriving Ukraine of further IMF loan tranches (Kiev’s continued control over Donbas is one of the conditions of the loan). Provocation, not partnership One of Pyotr Poroshenko’s key foreign policy tasks should be to stabilize relations with Russia. This would facilitate the solution of some other problems – above all that of separatism in the east of the country – and bring the economy out of its crisis. However, judging from his behaviour with regard to Russia, Poroshenko has other priorities. Until recently, Moscow has been demonstrating its readiness to normalize relations. Thus, Russia has de facto recognised the new Ukrainian ...