Petro Poroshenko vows to reunite broken country

World Today

The billionaire candy magnate who does big business in Russia took office with tough words for “the neighbors” next door.

Petro Poroshenko repeated what he told Russia’s president during their informal meeting in France this week that Crimea is Ukrainian and always will be.

In his inaugural address Petro Poroshenko also called on paramilitary groups in eastern Ukraine to lay down their weapons. He said if any “Russian mercenaries” wish to return home, Ukraine will give them safe passage, but Poroshenko didn’t waver from his campaign message that he will not negotiate with the fighters he calls “terrorists.”

After his swearing in, the new president sent a strong message to Russia and to Crimea-the country’s southern peninsula that seceded in March to join Russia.

CCTV’s Stephanie Freid reports.

Petro Poroshenko vows to reunite broken country

The billionaire candy magnate who does big business in Russia took office with tough words for “the neighbors” next door.

 

Russia has indicated that there could be a solution to the Ukrainian crisis — as have Western powers. Russia said Saturday it’s time to start a dialogue with Ukraine. There are also reports of an expected meeting Sunday between Kremlin and Kiev officials. CCTV’s Nathan King joins us with more on whether a deal is possible.

Is a deal possible for Russia and Ukraine?

Russia has indicated that there could be a solution to the Ukrainian crisis -- as have Western powers. CCTV's Nathan King joins is with more on whether a deal is possible.