**Ukrainian Ex-President Poroshenko Speaks Out Against Sanctions**
Former President Petro Poroshenko has spoken out against the sanctions imposed on him by the Ukrainian government. In an interview with the German tabloid Bild, he called the sanctions an “attack on freedom and democracy”.
Poroshenko was among several politicians and oligarchs sanctioned in February for alleged high treason. His assets have been frozen, and he claims he is not allowed to leave the country.
“This is unconstitutional, it’s illegal, there’s no court decision,” Poroshenko said in the interview. He also accused President Volodymyr Zelensky’s team of “moving the country toward dictatorship”.
Poroshenko has a history with Zelensky, having lost the 2019 presidential election to him by a landslide. Since then, the two have remained bitter rivals.
**Poroshenko on Trump and Putin**
When asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusations against Zelensky, Poroshenko responded that if he had to identify a dictator, it would be Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He also rejected rumors of secret contact between Trump’s team and Ukrainian opposition figures, saying only “public and transparent” contacts with U.S. partners are acceptable.
**Ukraine’s Situation**
Poroshenko spoke out about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, calling for the country to go on the defensive against Russian forces. He said Ukraine must stop losing people and territory immediately.
“We must forget the word ‘offensive operation’,” he said, advocating for a more cautious approach to defending the country.
**Poll Numbers**
One recent opinion poll showed Poroshenko’s support at just 10%, well behind ex-Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi (21%) and President Zelensky (44%).
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