Ukraine currently lacks a coalition of unity, according to leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko.
"We showed everyone – both in 2014 and on February 24, 2022 – that unity, together with the Armed Forces, not only gave us hope for victory but also preserved Ukraine and continues to do so today. Because Ukraine is in danger… We demonstrated this back in 2014, when, following the parliamentary elections, the prime minister and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada joined forces and demonstrated what a coalition of national unity in parliament looks like, how to defend the state, and how to move toward the European Union. What is lacking now is a coalition of unity," Poroshenko said during the national roundtable discussion titled "Unity Around the Flag" as part of Kyiv Security Forum on Friday.
According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, Poroshenko said unity must be based on support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and national interests, rather than serving as a cover for abuses of power.
"Is there anyone in this room, among those watching us, or in Ukraine at all, who is against unity? Why should we gather and what should we discuss if everyone is in favor? Unity around the flag. That's very nice. But only if the flag is a symbol of Ukraine. The Ukrainian people unite around Ukraine. Not around a smokescreen that the authorities can use to cover up all sorts of things – from "Mindich" to "Forrest Gump,"" Poroshenko said.
In his view, the foundation of unity must be something that transcends party principles.
"What can serve as that foundation today? The Armed Forces of Ukraine. People's lives and safety. European integration. "A cherry orchard by the house" and our language. Faith. There are answers to everything," the member of parliament said.
