Ukraine residents welcome Poroshenko's pro-West mandate

It's business as usual in Ukraine... but with a different tone, after parliamentary elections gave rise to pro-western parties.

And with that, President Poroshenko is handed a mandate to end a separatist conflict and steer the country further into Europe's mainstream.

Something most residents in Kiev are happy about:

(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) KIEV RESIDENT, OLEKSANDR KUTSENKO, 60, SAYING:

"I am satisfied because I voted for Poroshenko's Party. (REPORTER ASKING OFF CAMERA 'WHY?') I believe in his direction, in his achievements. He does everything for people. That's why I really appreciate it. And I believe that everything will be good in our country."

But not without their fair share of challenges. The economy is in dire straits, and a ceasefire is barely holding in the east, between government forces and pro-Russian separatists.

However, some political analysts say Moscow is losing its influence.

(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) POLITICAL ANALYST, VOLODYM