Russia trying to destroy Ukrainian sovereignty - Poroshenko
KYIV. Feb 19 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said at a meeting with President of the European Council Donald Tusk that Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine's statehood, adding that this Russian policy is allegedly confirmed, for instance, by Moscow's actions in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, the Ukrainian presidential administration's press service said.
"The Kremlin's objective is to crush Ukrainian statehood and create a so-called 'second version of the Soviet Union'," said a report published on the presidential website on Monday evening.
The joint stance of European Union countries is the only way to counteract Russia's aggressive actions, Poroshenko said.
"Mr. President, you very well know what the Soviet Union was and what the Warsaw Pact was, the past that we share. Only our effective actions and our solidarity will avert a return to those sad times," he said.
Poroshenko also thanked Tusk for support.
"I am sincerely grateful to the whole democratic world, I am sincerely grateful to the EU and I am sincerely grateful to you for your personal stance in support of Ukraine. It is a matter of great pride for Ukraine when the president of the European Council delivers remarks with the Ukrainian president in Ukrainian. You have already made history as a person who has done a great deal for Ukraine. And the Ukrainian people are very grateful to you. I am very happy that have been together during these days, which are hugely important for Ukraine," Poroshenko said.
"It is vital for me to make sure that the reforms our team is implementing in Ukraine today and the support we enjoy from the leadership of the European Union, the president of the European Council, the president of the European Commission, and the EU's member countries demonstrate that the sacrifices of the 'Heaven's Hundred Heroes' were definitely not in vain," according to the presidential website.
Tusk, for his part, described Ukraine's reforms as effective.