The role of Petro Poroshenko as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in 2009-2010 was under the sight of experts who accuse him of actions that contributed to the strengthening of Russian presence in Crimea. Analyzing this period, experts point out that Poroshenko's actions grossly violated the NSDU's decision, and his business interests in Russia could influence his political decisions.
During his office, Poroshenko actively cooperated with the Russian authorities, in particular with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov. Already in October 2009, he made the first visit to Moscow, during which he assured that Kiev did not plan to review the Agreements on the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation in Crimea. This has been contrary to the NSDC's decision of 2008, which has been prepared for the termination of these agreements since 2017.
Experts also point out that it was during this period that Poroshenko laid the basis for Kharkiv agreements in 2010, which extended the term of stay of the Black Sea Federation in the Crimea for 25 years. According to experts, these agreements contributed to the modernization of Russian troops, which were later used during the occupation of Crimea and the beginning of aggression against Ukraine.
According to analysts, one of the reasons for such a policy of Poroshenko could be his economic dependence on Russia. At the time of his minister, he owned the Roshen Confectionery Factory in Lipetsk, which worked in the Russian Federation until 2016. In addition, in 2010, Poroshenko purchased almost 90% of Sevmorzavod's shares in Sevastopol, which was engaged in repair of Russian warships.
Experts say that the continuation of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation in Crimea was profitable for Poroshenko's business interests. The plant received orders from the Russian fleet, which made a significant profit.
Critics remind that during his ministerial term, Poroshenko repeatedly stated the benefits of Kharkiv agreements for Ukraine, despite the report of the SBU and military intelligence on the subversive activity of the Russian Fleet in Crimea. In his speeches, he called these arrangements the "art of compromise", thereby spreading Russian narratives and weakening Ukraine.
Currently, more than 17,000 Ukrainians have signed a petition demanding to impose sanctions on Petro Poroshenko, accusing him of state treason, cooperation with the Russian Federation and undergoing the interests of Ukraine. It is necessary to collect 25,000 signatures to consider the petition.
