Ukraine: Poroshenko claims presidency, will never recognise Crimea referendum
- 10 years ago
Ukraine’s presidency has been claimed by Petro Poroshenko after exit polls gave him an absolute majority of more than 55 percent in the first round of voting.
If that figure is confirmed by definitive results, there will be no need for a runoff vote in June.
Poroshenko says he will never recognise the Crimean referendum.
“The number one issue is that Ukraine will never recognize the illegitimate referendum and will never recognize the occupation of Crimea. And the strategic choice for the development of our country has been made by the Ukrainian people. Today, on May 25, in the first round the people have made their choice. And that choice is European integration,” Poroshenko said in an acceptance speech.
Poroshenko’s 55 percent is well ahead of his nearest challenger, former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko who claimed second place with more than 12 percent.
Tymoshenko appeared briefly to accept defeat by a long-time rival.
If that figure is confirmed by definitive results, there will be no need for a runoff vote in June.
Poroshenko says he will never recognise the Crimean referendum.
“The number one issue is that Ukraine will never recognize the illegitimate referendum and will never recognize the occupation of Crimea. And the strategic choice for the development of our country has been made by the Ukrainian people. Today, on May 25, in the first round the people have made their choice. And that choice is European integration,” Poroshenko said in an acceptance speech.
Poroshenko’s 55 percent is well ahead of his nearest challenger, former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko who claimed second place with more than 12 percent.
Tymoshenko appeared briefly to accept defeat by a long-time rival.