Petro Poroshenko: The main task of the President of Ukraine is not to make Putin laugh, but to act victoriously, defending the national interests of the country
19.04.2019 21:06 | Press office of President
"The main task of the Head of State is not to make Putin laugh and kneel down to him as some others think. And not to go fishing with him. But to act victoriously, defending the national interests of the country, the security of people and every citizen," President Petro Poroshenko said during a speech to the participants of the "Protect Ukraine" rally.
"If my opponent was scared to come to the debate with Poroshenko, why will he have strength and courage to deal with Putin? No wonder, a few months ago, The Economist wrote that Putin would swallow Zelensky as a chocolate bar. And this is not their private affair. This is a threat to Ukraine, a threat to each of us, a threat to everyone, including those who are watching us now on TV. And we definitely have to unite and prevent this," he added.
The Head of State said that "people have been trying to catch my opponent to interview him or meet with him at the stadium for three weeks". "He avoided the debate, as he once avoided the army. During the mobilization in 2014, he ignored four draft notices. Unfortunately, we know that there were a lot of deserters in 2014, but only one of them is claiming to be the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. How will he look into the eyes of our soldiers? How will he look into the eyes of the parents of the dead?" the President added.
Petro Poroshenko said that his opponent Volodymyr Zelensky was successful in show business and capitalized his success in politics. "Friends, Ukraine is not a stage. This is not a video recording. In order to fulfill the functions of the President, one needs to be strong and competent, be responsible, bold, resolute and open. In the end, one needs to be self-sufficient and independent from his senior partner Kolomoyskyi or anyone," the Head of State stressed.
"What do we see instead? A person who avoided discussions during the whole election campaign. Who was hiding behind the advisers, team members and staff members. And what can we ask from these staff members, who are they for us? Nobody knows his thoughts. A man who was scared to have at least one press conference for journalists. A man who has no idea about the economy, the international sphere, the army. A man who was offended by the words about the oligarch’s puppet. And at the same time, puppet master Kolomoyskyi brags about his influence on Zelensky. Journalistic investigations prove this fact every day, including today," the President added.