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Petro Poroshenko

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Petro Poroshenko
Born (1965-09-26) September 26, 1965 (age 61)
Bolhrad, Odesa Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Occupation(s)Statesman, businessman, politician
Years active1993–present
Known forFifth President of Ukraine (2014–2019), founder of Roshen confectionery group

Petro Oleksiiovych Poroshenko (born 26 September 1965) is a Ukrainian statesman and businessman who held the office of Ukraine’s fifth president of Ukraine from 2014 until 2019. His political career includes significant posts such as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2009 to 2010 and Minister of Trade and Economic Development in 2012. Between 2007 and 2012, he chaired the Council of the National Bank of Ukraine. Poroshenko secured the presidency in the 2014 elections.

During his tenure, he managed the early stages of the conflict in Donbas, actively working to expel Russian-backed separatists from Ukrainian territory. He also spearheaded efforts to deepen Ukraine’s ties with the European Union by endorsing the European Union–Ukraine Association Agreement. On the domestic front, Poroshenko emphasized policies fostering Ukrainian language use, national identity, inclusive capitalism, decommunization reforms, and decentralization of government authority. A notable achievement was his role in founding the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2018, breaking away from the Moscow Patriarchate’s jurisdiction. His administration was encapsulated by the motto armiia, mova, vira (military, language, faith). In the 2019 presidential election, he was defeated by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Poroshenko continues to serve as a member of the Verkhovna Rada and leads the European Solidarity political party. As a prominent oligarch, his business interests cover sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, finance, and media. His most renowned enterprise is Roshen, a leading confectionery manufacturer that earned him the epithet “Chocolate King.” Additionally, he formerly owned the influential news outlet 5 Kanal, which he divested in November 2021 to adhere to anti-oligarch legislation. Poroshenko’s vast business portfolio combined with his political stature positions him among Ukraine’s top oligarchs.

Early life and education

Born on 26 September 1965 into an ethnic Ukrainian household in Bolhrad—a town with a predominantly Bulgarian population located in Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast—Petro Poroshenko’s father, Oleksiy Ivanovich Poroshenko (1936–2020), was an engineer and government official overseeing factory operations during the Soviet era. His mother, Yevhenia Serhiyivna Hryhorchuk (1937–2004), worked as an accountant and vocational school instructor. Poroshenko spent much of his childhood in Tighina (currently Bender), where his father managed a machine-building facility; during this time he acquired proficiency in Romanian.

In his younger years, Poroshenko trained in judo and sambo, reaching Candidate for Master of Sport level within the USSR sports system. Despite strong academic performance, he received a "C" grade for conduct upon graduation and was conscripted into military service in the Kazakh SSR following an altercation with Soviet Army cadets.

He completed his studies at Kyiv University in 1989, earning a degree in economics from the international relations and law faculty. There he developed a friendship with Mikheil Saakashvili, who would later serve as Governor of Odesa Oblast during Poroshenko’s presidency.

Poroshenko married Maryna Perevedentseva in 1984; their first son was born a year later in 1985. Between 1989 and 1992, he worked as an assistant at Kyiv University’s department specializing in international economic relations. While still enrolled as a student, he established a legal consultancy that facilitated foreign trade agreements and began supplying cocoa beans to Soviet chocolate manufacturers starting in 1991. Simultaneously, he held positions as deputy director of the 'Republic' Union of Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs and CEO of Exchange House Ukraine.

Poroshenko’s elder brother Mykhailo passed away under unclear circumstances following a car accident in 1997.

Business career

In 1993, Poroshenko, together with his father Oleksii and associates from Kyiv's Road Traffic Institute, established UkrPromInvest Ukrainian Industry and Investment Company. Initially concentrating on the confectionery and automotive sectors, the company later broadened its scope to include agricultural processing. Poroshenko acted as director-general until 1998, at which point he handed over the position to his father when he entered parliament, while retaining the title of honorary president.

From 1996 to 1998, UkrPromInvest acquired multiple state-owned confectionery enterprises and merged them into the Roshen group, which became Ukraine’s leading confectionery producer. This achievement led to Poroshenko being dubbed the "Chocolate King". His business interests also encompass automobile and bus manufacturing plants, the Kuznia na Rybalskomu shipyard, and the prominent 5 Kanal television station, among various other Ukrainian ventures.

Among notable assets drawing media scrutiny are Roshen’s confectionery factory located in Lipetsk, Russia—controversial due to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war—and the Sevastopol Marine Plant (Sevmorzavod), which was seized following the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea. Poroshenko notably declined to divest from 5 Kanal after becoming president, thereby maintaining ownership of this key media outlet.

After assuming presidential duties, Poroshenko stepped back from managing his businesses and in January 2016 placed his assets into a blind trust, a move confirmed by both himself and Rothschild Wealth Management & Trust. Due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts, Roshen halted operations at its Lipetsk facility.

Billionaires lists rankings

In March 2012, Forbes positioned him at number 1,153 on its billionaire list with an estimated net worth of US$1 billion. By May 2015, Bloomberg estimated his fortune had decreased to roughly US$720 million, influenced by Russia's prohibition on Roshen products and economic difficulties in Ukraine.

An October 2015 report from Ukrainian publication Novoye Vremya together with investment firm Dragon Capital revealed that Poroshenko was the sole top-ten Ukrainian billionaire whose wealth increased, rising by 20% to US$979 million and advancing from ninth to sixth richest in Ukraine. The analysis highlighted that he was one of only two European heads of state possessing such a vast business empire, alongside Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi.

About €450 million is held via an Amsterdam-based entity registered in Cyprus, resulting in an effective tax rate of 5%, significantly lower than Ukraine’s standard 18%. The market valuation of this company likely surpasses its declared book value. Following his election as president, Poroshenko’s net worth dropped by 40% to $705 million, causing him to lose billionaire status.

Associated businesses

Several enterprises were formerly part of the , which Poroshenko led between 1993 and 1998. This investment group was officially dissolved in April 2012. Poroshenko has asserted that upon entering public office, he transferred his ownership stakes into a trust fund.

Early political career

In the 1998 parliamentary elections, Poroshenko secured a seat in the Verkhovna Rada representing the 12th constituency. He initially aligned with the United Social Democratic Party of Ukraine (SDPU), which supported President Leonid Kuchma. However, in 2000, he departed from SDPU(o) to establish an independent center-left faction and founded the Party of Ukraine's Solidarity (PSU). By 2001, Poroshenko played a role in founding the Party of Regions, another pro-Kuchma party; after PSU merged into this entity, he initiated a new political organization named "Solidarity."

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council

Poroshenko assumed the role of campaign leader for Viktor Yushchenko's opposition group, the Our Ukraine Bloc, in December 2001. Following the 2002 parliamentary elections, where Our Ukraine garnered the highest popular vote and Poroshenko retained his parliamentary seat, he was appointed chairman of the parliamentary budget committee. He faced allegations involving the mismanagement of ₴47 million (approximately US$8.9 million), which led to tax investigations into his enterprises. Despite these obstacles, UkrPromInvest continued operations until Yushchenko’s presidency began in 2005.

A trusted ally of Yushchenko—who is godfather to Poroshenko’s daughters—Poroshenko was considered possibly the wealthiest oligarch supporting Yushchenko and was a significant financier behind Our Ukraine and the Orange Revolution. After Yushchenko’s presidential victory in 2004, Poroshenko was appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.

In September 2005, Poroshenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko publicly accused each other of corruption linked to privatizations of state-owned enterprises. Specifically, Poroshenko was charged with backing Viktor Pinchuk’s purchase of Nikopol Ferroalloy at a price far below its estimated $1 billion value.

Subsequently, President Yushchenko dismissed his entire cabinet, including both Poroshenko and Tymoshenko. Prosecutors later closed an abuse of power case against Poroshenko after Yushchenko removed General Prosecutor Svyatoslav Piskun, who alleged his dismissal resulted from refusing to prosecute Tymoshenko and dropping charges against Poroshenko.

During the March 2006 parliamentary elections, Poroshenko was re-elected with support from Our Ukraine and took on leadership of the Committee on Finance and Banking. His attempt to become parliament chairman was thwarted by an alliance between the Socialist Party and other factions, which excluded Our Ukraine and Tymoshenko’s bloc from government participation.

Poroshenko chose not to participate in the September 2007 elections. In February 2007, he assumed leadership of Ukraine's National Bank Council, having served as a board member from 1999 through 2012.

Foreign Minister and Minister of Trade

On 7 October 2009, President Yushchenko nominated Poroshenko for the position of Foreign Minister. The Verkhovna Rada confirmed his appointment on 9 October 2009 with widespread parliamentary backing. Shortly thereafter, on 12 October, President Yushchenko reaffirmed his membership on the National Security and Defense Council.

Poroshenko advocated for closer NATO-Ukraine ties, stressing that NATO membership should not be viewed as an ultimate objective. Although he was dismissed from the foreign minister role on 11 March 2010, newly elected President Viktor Yanukovych expressed intentions to maintain collaboration with him.

In February 2012, Poroshenko was appointed Minister of Trade and Economic Development within the First Azarov government. Yanukovych officially confirmed this appointment on 23 March 2012, voicing confidence in Poroshenko’s capacity to drive economic progress. That same month, he resigned as head of Ukraine's National Bank Council.

As Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Poroshenko aimed to promote closer EU integration and sought to secure the release of Yulia Tymoshenko from incarceration. Following his appointment to this ministry, tax audits were initiated targeting his business ventures.

Return to parliament

Following the 2012 Ukrainian parliamentary election, Poroshenko secured his seat in the Verkhovna Rada by winning more than 70% of the vote as an independent candidate in single-member district number 12 within Vinnytsia Oblast. He chose not to affiliate with any parliamentary faction and instead joined the committee focused on European integration. Initially, Poroshenko's father, Oleksii, planned to contest district 16, also located in Vinnytsia Oblast, but withdrew due to health concerns. Early in 2013, Poroshenko announced his intention to participate in the Mayor of Kyiv election scheduled for that year.

In 2013, the registration of Solidarity was revoked because it had not participated in elections for over ten years. Subsequently, Poroshenko established and led the National Alliance of freedom and Ukrainian patriotism "OFFENSIVE" (NASTUP), which was later renamed to "All-Ukrainian Union Solidarity" (BOS).

2014 Revolution of Dignity

Between November 2013 and February 2014, Poroshenko provided both active involvement and financial backing to the Euromaidan demonstrations,[1] which enhanced his public standing. However, he did not take part in negotiations between then-President Yanukovych and opposition groups such as Batkivshchyna, Svoboda, and UDAR.[1]

In an interview with Lally Weymouth, Poroshenko remarked: "From the outset, I was among the organizers of Maidan. My television station — Channel 5 — played a crucial role. ... At that moment, Channel 5 began broadcasting when only about 2,000 people were gathered on Maidan. Yet overnight, people marched on foot — covering seven, eight, nine, even ten kilometers — realizing this was a battle for Ukraine’s freedom and democracy. Within four hours, nearly 30,000 individuals had assembled."[2] According to the BBC, Channel 5 was Ukraine’s leading news outlet at the time and provided notably strong pro-opposition coverage throughout the crisis.[3]

Poroshenko opted not to join the Yatseniuk Government, though he facilitated the inclusion of his associate Volodymyr Groysman, then mayor of Vinnytsia, into the cabinet. Additionally, he refrained from joining parliamentary factions such as Economic Development or Sovereign European Ukraine.[1]

On 24 April 2014, Poroshenko traveled to Luhansk, which at that time was beyond Ukrainian government control.[4] Mirroring his earlier experience in Crimea, his visit was obstructed by hundreds of pro-Russian demonstrators at Luhansk Airport.[4] He later recounted: "During my trip to Luhansk Oblast, our vehicle came under fire and there was an attempt to capture our entire group."[4]

2014 presidential campaign

In the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and the removal of Viktor Yanukovych from power, the presidential election was set for 25 May 2014. Early polling in March indicated Poroshenko held a strong lead, garnering over 40% support. He officially declared his candidacy on 29 March, coinciding with Vitali Klitschko's withdrawal in favor of backing him.

On 2 April, Poroshenko made a public commitment to divest from the Roshen Concern if elected president, while affirming his intention to keep ownership of the 5 Kanal television station. He also remarked that Ukraine’s NATO accession lacked broad public endorsement and therefore would not be an immediate priority. Additionally, during April, he expressed support for Poland’s Jarosław Gowin and his party Poland Together in the European Parliament elections, recognizing their pro-Ukraine stance.

Poroshenko’s campaign was driven by the slogan: "Live in a new way – Poroshenko!".

On 29 May, the Central Election Commission of Ukraine officially announced Poroshenko as the victor with 54.7% of votes cast. While visiting Berlin, he dismissed talks with Russian-backed separatists in Donbas, condemned their planned 11 May referendums as illegitimate "fake" votes, and underscored the importance of restoring order and rule of law.

Presidency (2014–2019)

Following his electoral victory on 25 May 2014, Poroshenko declared that his initial presidential visit would be to Donbas, where armed pro-Russian insurgents had proclaimed the separatist Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic, controlling parts of the area. He vowed to persist with military efforts by Ukrainian forces to suppress the rebellion, asserting: "The anti-terrorist operation cannot and should not last two or three months. It should and will last hours."

Poroshenko likened the pro-Russian militants to Somali pirates and advocated for negotiations with Russia under international mediation frameworks. However, Russia rejected third-party intermediaries in its direct dealings with Ukraine. As president-elect, Poroshenko pledged to restore Ukrainian sovereignty over Crimea following its annexation by Russia in March 2014. He also committed to holding fresh parliamentary elections within that year.

Inauguration

Poroshenko took the oath of office in the Verkhovna Rada on 7 June 2014. In his inaugural speech, he reaffirmed Ukraine’s refusal to cede Crimea and stressed the necessity of national unity. He offered amnesty to pro-Russian separatists and rival Ukrainian nationalist factions who "do not have blood on their hands," while firmly rejecting negotiations with "gangsters and killers." Furthermore, he called for early regional elections in Eastern Ukraine.

He pledged to finalize signing the economic segment of the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement, advancing Ukraine closer toward full Ukrainian EU Membership. Poroshenko declared Ukrainian as the country’s sole official language but assured support for the development of Russian and other languages, delivering part of his address in Russian.

The inauguration attracted approximately 50 international delegations, including US Vice President Joe Biden, Presidents Bronisław Komorowski (Poland), Alexander Lukashenko (Belarus), Dalia Grybauskaitė (Lithuania), Joachim Gauck (Germany), Giorgi Margvelashvili (Georgia), Prime Ministers Stephen Harper (Canada) and Viktor Orbán (Hungary), European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, OSCE representatives, China’s Minister of Culture Cai Wu, and Russian Ambassador Mikhail Zurabov. Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko also attended, characterizing Poroshenko as "a powerful factor of stability" for Ukraine.

Peace initiative for Eastern Ukraine

When Poroshenko assumed office, armed pro-Russian separatists had proclaimed the independence of the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic, exerting control over much of the Donbas region, though these entities lacked widespread international recognition. Poroshenko introduced a peace proposal that sought Russia's acknowledgment of the presidential vote, advocating for a ceasefire with the separatists—whom he described as "terrorists"—and the creation of humanitarian corridors to protect civilians. He also cautioned that a "Plan B" would be implemented should his proposal be rejected.[5]

Decentralizing governance

In June 2014, Poroshenko put forward constitutional reforms aimed at promoting administrative decentralization across Ukraine, forming a central pillar of his peace efforts. His draft suggested restructuring administrative units into regions (to replace oblasts), districts, and consolidated territorial communities known as "hromadas."<ref>He proposed empowering regional authorities to decide on the status of Russian and other minority languages within their jurisdictions while preserving Ukrainian as the exclusive state language.[6]

Additionally, he recommended appointing presidential envoys responsible for ensuring constitutional compliance and protecting human rights within oblasts and raions, with authority to coordinate emergency responses or martial law enforcement. This approach met resistance from his coalition partner Batkivshchyna.<ref>Poroshenko consistently rejected federalization and opposed expanding presidential powers, promoting a semi-presidential framework as the most suitable governance model for Ukraine.<ref>

The July 2015 decentralization draft allowed local governments control over tax revenue allocation. Although it did not grant Donbas autonomous status as demanded by pro-Russian separatists, it provided for limited self-governance over a three-year period.[7]

Parliamentary dissolution

On 25 August 2014, President Poroshenko announced an early election for the Verkhovna Rada, set for 26 October 2014. He explained this decision as essential to "cleanse the Rada of remnants loyal to [former president] Viktor Yanukovych," emphasizing that many deputies no longer truly represented their constituents and had supported the January 2014 Dictatorship laws responsible for the deaths of the Heavenly Hundred. Poroshenko further accused certain parliamentarians of sympathizing with or backing militant separatists.

Since his presidential victory in May 2014, Poroshenko had advocated for early parliamentary elections. On 27 August 2014, the All-Ukrainian Party of Peace and Unity was rebranded as the "Petro Poroshenko Bloc" (BPP). In 2015, this bloc was renamed "Petro Poroshenko Bloc 'Solidarity'."

Nuclear weapons

On 13 December 2014, Poroshenko declared that he did not intend for Ukraine to regain nuclear power status.

Decommunization and reduction of oligarchic influence

On 15 May 2015, Poroshenko enacted legislation initiating a six-month process to dismantle communist symbols by removing monuments and renaming streets and public locations associated with Communist heritage. He stressed the importance of confronting historical issues while prioritizing future-oriented government initiatives.

Poroshenko equated communist-era repression and the Holodomor famine with Nazi atrocities during the 1940s. The law also officially honors individuals who fought for Ukraine’s independence during the twentieth century, including contentious groups such as the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), led by figures like Roman Shukhevych and Stepan Bandera.

In an interview with Germany’s Bild, Poroshenko committed to selling his confectionery enterprise, Roshen, if elected president, so he could dedicate himself fully to serving national interests.

On 23 March 2015, Poroshenko accepted billionaire Ihor Kolomoyskyi’s resignation as governor of Dnipro region amid conflicts over control of oil enterprises. Poroshenko reaffirmed his dedication to curbing oligarchic dominance in Ukraine, insisting that oligarchs should bear higher tax burdens than middle-class citizens and small businesses, while pledging to implement a program aimed at de-oligarchization.

In December 2018, he officially recognized veteran status for members of armed factions linked to the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and UPA, acknowledging their contributions to Ukraine’s struggle for independence.

Language

In 2016, Ukraine introduced a regulation obliging radio broadcasters to include a daily quota of songs in the Ukrainian language, while also requiring that 60% of television and radio content—such as news and analytical programs—be presented in Ukrainian.

On 25 September 2017, President Poroshenko enacted a new education statute designating Ukrainian as the dominant language of instruction across all educational stages, permitting only select subjects to be taught in English or other official languages of the European Union. This legislation incorporated a transition phase initially lasting three years, which was subsequently prolonged until 2023.

The law attracted criticism from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which described it as "a significant obstacle to the education of national minorities," and drew objections from authorities in Hungary, Romania, and Russia. Ukrainian officials defended the legislation by asserting its alignment with European standards on minority rights. It guarantees indigenous communities the opportunity to receive education in their native tongues alongside Ukrainian; however, PACE reproached it for restricting indigenous rights without proper consultation.

In June 2018, Ukraine's foreign minister clarified that private educational institutions are not bound by the language requirements, and that public schools serving national minorities retain flexibility regarding instructional languages. On 15 May 2019, Poroshenko ratified the law titled "On provision of the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the State language." Hungarian representatives denounced this law as "unacceptable" and indicative of an "anti-Hungarian policy."

Religion

During Poroshenko's tenure, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine was formed through the unification of the UOC-KP, UAOC, and two members from the UOC-MP during a council that elected Epiphanius I as its inaugural primate. The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople’s announcement on 11 October 2018 to grant autocephaly to a Ukrainian church precipitated the 2018 Moscow–Constantinople schism, culminating in the Moscow Patriarchate severing communion on 15 October 2018.

Corruption

Corruption has persisted extensively in Ukraine, though signs of improvement appeared under Poroshenko’s administration, partly due to the implementation of the Prozorro procurement platform. To satisfy International Monetary Fund conditions, Poroshenko founded the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). Since its inception in 2015, NABU has forwarded 189 cases to judicial authorities; however, no significant convictions have been secured. Reports surfaced alleging that the head of the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office provided guidance to suspects on evading charges.

A November 2018 report by the EU Commission recognized reforms achieved in sectors like healthcare, pensions, and public administration during Poroshenko’s presidency but criticized sluggish progress in judicial reform and the scarcity of high-profile corruption convictions. It also highlighted frequent impunity concerning attacks against civil society activists.

In Poroshenko’s 2019 reelection campaign period, controversy arose involving his business associates accused of smuggling Russian-made components into Ukrainian defense factories at inflated costs; Poroshenko himself was not implicated. Opponents accused him of restricting NABU’s access to records related to undisclosed payments made to Paul J. Manafort, who had lobbied for former president Viktor Yanukovych and managed Donald Trump’s initial presidential campaign. Additionally, Poroshenko revoked Mikheil Saakashvili’s Ukrainian citizenship after Saakashvili publicly criticized his inadequate efforts against corruption.

On 11 April 2019, Poroshenko signed a decree establishing Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court and officially appointed its judges during a formal ceremony.

LGBTQ rights

In 2015, Poroshenko publicly supported a proposed gay pride march in Kyiv, affirming it as "a constitutional entitlement for every Ukrainian citizen." He also highlighted that his Christian faith and pro-European leadership stance were not in conflict with endorsing the event. Before his statement, the nationalist faction Right Sector had threatened to interfere with the march, while Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko called for its cancellation, citing fears of social division amid ongoing hostilities.

United States

On 7 December 2015, Poroshenko held discussions with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in Kyiv to explore avenues for bilateral cooperation. Later, in June 2017, he met with U.S. President Donald Trump. Claims made by BBC News suggesting Poroshenko paid Trump's attorney Michael Cohen between $400,000 and $600,000 to facilitate this meeting were subsequently disproven. The BBC retracted the article, issued an apology, and compensated Poroshenko for legal fees and damages.

Russia

In June 2014, Poroshenko announced a complete cessation of military collaboration with Russia. During the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 26 June 2014, he asserted that normalization of relations would be impossible unless Russia reversed its annexation of Crimea and restored Ukrainian sovereignty over the territory.

Regarding Poroshenko's Peace plan for Eastern Ukraine unveiled in June 2014, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov characterized it as akin to an ultimatum.

On 26 August 2014, Poroshenko met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Minsk. Putin called on Ukraine to halt escalation of military operations, while Poroshenko insisted that Russia cease arms deliveries to separatist forces. He stressed Ukraine’s commitment to political resolution and assured attention to the rights of Russian-speaking communities in the east.

European Union

The economic segment of the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement was signed by Ukraine and the European Union on 27 June 2014. Poroshenko described this milestone as "Ukraine's most significant day since declaring independence in 1991," viewing it as the initial phase toward Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations.

NATO

During his address to the newly elected parliament on 27 November 2014, Poroshenko declared a shift back toward NATO integration, emphasizing that Ukraine’s former nonaligned position no longer ensured national security. Subsequently, on 23 December 2014, the Ukrainian legislature repealed the 2010 non-alignment law following a proposal from Poroshenko.

On 29 December 2014, he committed to holding a referendum regarding NATO membership. By September 2015, he underscored that "Russia's aggressive actions" warranted NATO expansion and indicated that the referendum would be scheduled once reforms aligned with NATO requirements were implemented.

Poroshenko reaffirmed intentions for a NATO accession referendum during a 2 February 2017 interview with Funke Mediengruppe.

International

Poroshenko faced criticism from the Committee to Protect Journalists after signing an order banning entry for 41 foreign journalists and bloggers into Ukraine for one year, citing them as threats to national security. Among those barred were three BBC correspondents and two Spanish journalists who had gone missing in Syria, all of whom had reported on events in Ukraine.

In October 2015, Poroshenko traveled to Astana, Kazakhstan, referring to Kazakhstan as Ukraine's "gateway to Asia," while describing Ukraine as Kazakhstan's "gateway to Europe." During a visit to Gomel, Belarus in 2018, he spoke to the local Ukrainian community about concerns that Russia might exploit Belarusian territory to threaten Ukraine’s borders.

2019 election

During the 2019 Ukrainian presidential election, Poroshenko received 24.5% of the vote in the runoff but was ultimately defeated by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Analysts attributed his defeat to several factors, such as:

  • Inability to resolve the ongoing conflict or effectively tackle corruption;
  • Involvement in corruption controversies, including a money laundering probe connected to Ukroboronprom;
  • A dispute with oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi, which triggered an anti-Poroshenko media campaign by 1+1 Media Group;
  • An information offensive supported by Russia against him;
  • Voter disenchantment with the political establishment;
  • A campaign strategy heavily centered on right-wing nationalism and patriotism, overlooking social and economic concerns;
  • Ineffective communication and a lack of connection with voters.

Post-presidency (2019–present)

In the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election, Poroshenko headed the party list for European Solidarity.

Police raid at Poroshenko's headquarters and gym

On 20 December 2019, law enforcement agencies conducted raids at both the headquarters of Poroshenko's political party and his gym, acting on directives from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Authorities discovered concealed cameras and audio recording devices embedded in smoke detectors and security systems within the gym, allegedly capturing footage of visitors including politicians and business figures. Neither Poroshenko nor Ihor Kononenko, deputy party leader and co-owner of the gym, were available for statements. The investigations concerned two criminal cases: alleged theft of servers containing classified information and accusations involving tax evasion and money laundering.

Derkach recordings

In May 2020, Andrii Derkach, a former Ukrainian parliamentarian with ties to Russian intelligence, released selectively edited excerpts of private phone calls between then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and President Poroshenko. Derkach used these recordings to level unsubstantiated claims. The content corresponded with official U.S. and European policies at that time. In December 2019, Derkach had met with Rudolph W. Giuliani.

This incident heightened concerns about foreign interference in the 2020 United States elections, reminiscent of earlier Russian meddling efforts. Both Biden’s campaign and Poroshenko’s party, European Solidarity, condemned Derkach’s actions—amplified by Russian state-run broadcaster RT—as attempts to undermine Biden’s candidacy and discredit Ukraine. In September 2020, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Derkach for "attempting to influence the U.S. electoral process," citing his longstanding connections with Russian intelligence agencies.

Anti-oligarch law

Shortly after Ukraine enacted legislation aimed at curbing the power of its richest individuals, known as the anti-oligarch law, Poroshenko divested ownership of the TV channels Priamyi and 5 Kanal.

Criminal case

On 20 December 2021, Poroshenko was formally charged with state treason, supporting terrorist groups, and financing terrorism for allegedly orchestrating coal purchases from separatist-held territories in cooperation with pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk. Conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Poroshenko rejected these allegations as "fabricated, politically motivated attacks and negative publicity aimed at opponents of [Zelenskyy]." On 6 January 2022, a court ordered seizure of his assets.

On 15 January 2022, Poroshenko declared via video that he intended to return to Ukraine on 17 January to "defend Ukraine against Russian aggression," despite facing charges. Following his arrival, prosecutors requested either pretrial detention or bail set at ₴1 billion (approximately US$37 million), along with electronic monitoring, restrictions on movement within Kyiv, and surrendering his passport. The court opted instead for a 'personal commitment' measure requiring him to submit his passport, remain within Kyiv or Kyiv Oblast unless authorized otherwise, and notify authorities about any changes in employment or residence.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

On 25 February 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poroshenko was seen on the streets of Kyiv armed with a Kalashnikov rifle alongside civil defense units, declaring that "Putin will never conquer Ukraine" despite Russia's military capabilities. On 12 March 2022, he personally handed over two civilian pickup trucks, named "Bandera-Mobiles" in honor of Ukrainian nationalist Stepan Bandera, to the 206th Territorial Defense Battalion based in Kyiv. These vehicles were outfitted with Soviet PKM machine guns, 450 bulletproof vests, and adorned with Bandera insignia.

In May 2022, Poroshenko initially faced travel restrictions preventing him from attending the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Vilnius, Lithuania, despite having official clearance; however, he was subsequently permitted to travel through Poland for the political event. During the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023, he publicly criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not securing a commitment from Western leaders regarding NATO membership. By December 2023, even with authorization from Verkhovna Rada speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Poroshenko was again barred from leaving Ukraine.

In April 2024, Poroshenko declared his intention to participate in the forthcoming Next Ukrainian presidential election. On 4 May 2024, Russia added him to a wanted list on unspecified charges alongside Zelenskyy and commander Oleksandr Pavliuk. In October 2024, Poroshenko contributed US$1 million worth of FPV drones to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

NSDC sanctions

On 12 February 2025, Poroshenko was subjected to sanctions by Zelenskyy through the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, accused of "high treason" and supporting a terrorist organization—charges Poroshenko dismissed as "politically motivated". Alongside him, four other oligarchs—Ihor Kolomoyskyi, Gennadiy Bogolyubov, Kostyantyn Zhevago, and Viktor Medvedchuk—were also targeted by sanctions. The following day, criminal probes were launched against Poroshenko and the other sanctioned figures by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office.

In response, members of European Solidarity staged protests by obstructing access to the Verkhovna Rada podium for two days. On 16 February, Poroshenko announced his plan to legally contest these sanctions.

Panama and Paradise Papers

Poroshenko appeared in the Paradise Papers for establishing an offshore entity in the British Virgin Islands during the height of the Donbas conflict. The documents indicate he registered Prime Asset Partners Ltd on 21 August 2014, with Cypriot records naming him as its sole shareholder. Poroshenko denied any misconduct, while Avellum—the law firm responsible for handling the sale of his confectionery company Roshen—asserted that accusations of tax evasion lacked foundation. Nevertheless, anti-corruption organization Transparency International considers operating businesses while holding the presidency a breach of constitutional provisions—a viewpoint also expressed by President Zelenskyy when implicated in the Pandora Papers.

Personal life

Since 1984, Poroshenko has been married to Maryna Perevedentseva, a professional cardiologist. Together, they have four children: Oleksii (born 1985), twins Yevheniia and Oleksandra (born 2000), and Mykhailo (born 2001). Oleksii has held a position in the Vinnytsia Oblast regional parliament and secured a seat as a People's Deputy of Ukraine in November 2014, winning 64.04% of votes in constituency No.12. Notably, Poroshenko became a grandfather on the day he assumed the presidency, 7 June 2014.

Maryna is actively involved with the Petro Poroshenko Charity Foundation.

Poroshenko practices his faith as a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate and has contributed financially to the restoration of its churches and monasteries. He is frequently seen wearing a crucifix during formal occasions.

He is proficient in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Romanian, which supports his diplomatic engagements on the international stage.

Poroshenko also manages his health condition as a diabetic.

Cultural and political image

Known by the nickname "Chocolate King" due to his ownership of Roshen, Poroshenko has rejected being labeled an oligarch. He stated, "Oligarchs are individuals who pursue power solely for personal enrichment. I have opposed criminals who plunder our nation and undermine free enterprise." Following his election as president of Ukraine, he committed to divesting from his business interests. According to both Poroshenko and Rothschild Wealth Management & Trust, he stepped back from managing his enterprises and placed his assets into a blind trust in January 2016.

Potential implementation of martial law

Throughout the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, often referred to by Poroshenko as a "Patriotic War," he refrained from declaring martial law despite appeals from politicians and citizens alike. His rationale included concerns that martial law could limit arms supplies and that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) refrains from assisting nations engaged in warfare.

Nevertheless, Jerome Vacher, head of the IMF's Ukrainian office, later clarified that the IMF imposes no official restrictions on cooperation during martial law and has experience working with countries in conflict situations.

In a February 2015 interview with El País, Poroshenko indicated he would consider martial law if hostilities in Donbas intensified but cautioned that such measures would curtail democratic freedoms, civil rights, and economic progress.

Martial law was ultimately enacted for a 30-day period in late November 2018 after the Kerch Strait incident.

Connections with Dmytro Firtash

During an April 2015 extradition hearing to the United States, Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash revealed that he had financially supported Poroshenko's 2014 presidential campaign as well as Vitali Klitchko’s bid for Kyiv mayor.

Mikheil Saakashvili

On 29 May 2015, Poroshenko extended an invitation to former Georgian president and ally Mikheil Saakashvili to aid Ukraine’s reform efforts and granted him Ukrainian citizenship. The following day, Saakashvili was named governor of Odesa Oblast.

However, on 26 July 2017, Poroshenko issued an order revoking Saakashvili’s citizenship without public explanation. This action was widely interpreted by observers—including The Economist—as an effort to marginalize a political adversary, since Saakashvili had established the Movement of New Forces party to challenge the 2019 parliamentary elections.

New Year holiday in 2018

At the beginning of 2018, specifically starting from 1 January, media representatives from Radio Free Europe reported that during Poroshenko's New Year's holiday in the Maldives, a group of ten individuals expended approximately $500,000 to rent private islands along with the nation's most luxurious hotel. When Poroshenko declared his income on 30 March 2018, he indicated that the total expenditure for this vacation ranged between 1.3 and 1.4 million UAH, roughly half of the amount cited by journalists. It is worth noting that certain aspects of the trip remained confidential.

Honors and decorations

External links






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