Ukrain election: Pro-Europe parties dominate vote

World Today

The victory of pro-Western parties shows the widespread support for the government’s attempts to steer the country further from Russia’s orbit, and for promises to tackle corruption and bring in democratic reforms.CCTV America’s Tom Barton reports.

Following the results of the election, President Petro Poroshenko spoke of his gratitude to the Ukrainian people.

“Just yesterday I asked you to vote for a democratic, reformist, pro-Ukrainian and pro-European majority. I thank you for listening to me. I thank you for supporting that call,” Poroshenko said.

However, near the front lines in eastern Ukraine fighting continues. There was no voting in pro-Russia militant controlled areas.

Government held areas of east Ukraine support the country’s pro-European path. But one pro-Russia militant spokesman said they will wipe Ukraine from the political map, and the Russian government’s sympathies are with those fighting against Kiev.

In Moscow the official talk is of a rise in what pro-Kremlin voices call nationalists, radicals and fascists in Ukraine.

As President Poroshenko starts talks on a coalition, Russia is still sending no natural gas to Ukraine as winter approaches and Moscow is still widely accused of arming and fighting alongside militants against Ukraine’s army.