"Poroshenko's speech was a pointed rebuttal to Putin's", Andrij Dobriansky

Photo: russia-insider.com.

The last two weeks in New York city have been full of big and memorable events. First, Holy Father shook America with his spiritual visit. Now, NYC is hosting the largest international event - the 70th UN General Assembly Meeting. Over 150 heads of states arrived to Big Apple to discuss sustainable development, climate charge and ways to fight global poverty. At the same time, word leaders presented the UNGA with key issues that were important to their countries. 

For the last two days, Ukrainian media has been following these three presidents: Barack Obama, Petro Poroshenko and Volodymyr Putin: what they say, how / if they meet, if / how they shake hands, and what would be the outcomes of their meetings. As we all know, when Putin addressed the General Assembly, the Ukrainian delegation left the hall, in return, Russian delegation did the same, when Poroshenko gave his speech. 

In his address, Obama used some strong language criticizing Putin's actions in Ukraine but was that the first time? We also know that Obama needs Putin to help him solve problems with Syria and Iran. In return, should Obama give Putin what he wants? It is not difficult to guess what Putin would like.  

We had a chance to speak to Andriy Dobriansky, Executive board at Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and United Nations Representative at Ukrainian World Congress, who was at the United Nations and shared with UaPost his analysis on Poroshenko and Putin. 

UaPost: What was Poroshenko's reaction to Putin's "presentation"?: 

Andrij Dobriansky: Poroshenko's speech was a pointed rebuttal to Putin's. Putin's theme of fighting terrorism was countered by listing the acts of terrorism against Ukraine orchestrated by Russia. Putin's reference of the UN charter was countered by reminding the UNGA that Russia violated that the Charter by invading Ukraine.

Where Putin invoked the Yalta conference, Poroshenko highlighted the progress of Eastern European countries, which we understand to have happened despite being sold out by the west to Stalin at Yalta.

It was important that Poroshenko highlighted two reform accomplishments: Ukraine's adoption of tUN Human Rights Standards, and the recognition of Crimean Tatars as indigenous to Ukraine. Both sought after reforms within and outside Ukraine.

Lastly, he mentioned the political prisoners held by Russia, including Savchenko, Sentsov and Kolchenko by name. It was important to do so in this venue.

It will be interesting to watch how the events will unveil themselves in the next week or so.