Will Chocolate King Sweeten Ukraine?
Ukraine’s environment may not be the most ideal for welcoming new Ukrainian President-elect, Petro Poroshenko. He was ushered into his role by pro-Russian separatists who took over Donetsk International Airport’s terminal. Gunfire, explosions, and canceled flights abound… but Poroshenko isn’t intimidated.
While refusing to negotiate with the “terrorists” responsible for the recent outpouring of violence, he recognizes that he must have a talk with eastern Ukrainian people and Russian leaders: “Russia is our biggest neighbor, and stopping the war and bringing peace to all Ukraine, bringing stability in the eastern part of Ukraine… would be impossible without the participation of Russia.”
Securing more than 50% of the vote, many residents are hoping that the billionaire chocolate manufacturer will be the one to end the Ukrainian crisis. So move over, Willy Wonka… it looks like the Chocolate King who will, in fact, sweeten a very sour Ukraine.
Did Ukraine Get the Golden Ticket?
The Chocolate King’s resume isn’t too shabby, either: former foreign minister, previously a trade minister, and once the head of the National Security Council.
Some say, he’s built quite the reputation as a pragmatist. All previous presidents enjoyed either the support of the East or the West (never both). This time around, most voted in the West and the center, for obvious reasons… But still, this president has far more support in the East and the South than those before him, according to Professor Volodymir Paniotto (Direct General of Kyiv International Institute of Technology).
The markets responded well to the change, with European equities rising. However, caution about Russia remains, says ING’s Valentijn van Nieuwenhuijzen: “We are fairly skeptical about the medium-term outlook, not only about the issue in Ukraine, but also about the situation in Russia itself – its unbalanced economy and equity holder-friendly environment coming from the latest political dynamics.”
Around early June, Poroshenko anticipates talking things over with Moscow. There’s one tough hump to get over though… The Chocolate King refuses Russia’s annexation of Crimea. But for some, that’s already a done deal. June will be here shortly, and we’ll see what happens next…
In Pursuit of the Truth,
Capitol Hill Daily Research
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