The SBU’s Reframed Case Involving Petro Poroshenko
The Ukrainian Security Service reframed the situation of Petro Poroshenko, the leader of the European Solidarity faction, as a case where his exit from the country was blocked to prevent possible influence by foreign actors. The SBU voiced concerns that Russia could shape meetings between Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian representatives from abroad, and how these meetings might affect Ukraine’s political direction.
The agency specified that Poroshenko planned to meet Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister who has been described by some as friendly to Vladimir Putin and who has repeatedly voiced positions that critics say run counter to Ukrainian interests. This characterization framed the forthcoming trip as potentially risky in terms of state security and international alignment.
Officials stated that the SBU alerted President Zelenskiy’s office, the government, and the Verkhovna Rada to weigh these suspicions when coordinating overseas travel by members of Ukrainian parliament. The ministry reported that Verkhovna Rada leadership decided not to authorize the foreign business trip of a deputy who could have been used as an instrument by Russian special services.
For Administrative Use
Alexander Kornienko, who previously held the role of first deputy speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, said the decision was taken after receiving a formal notification indicating the matter was for official use only. Poroshenko cited his participation in the International Democratic Union forum as the basis for the planned business trip and noted that additional high-level meetings were scheduled simultaneously. Kornienko explained that internal policies allowed participation in party events, but after receiving a letter with contents he could not disclose, the trip had to be canceled to avoid potential security risks and political complications.
Border Guards Not Involved
On December 1, Poroshenko, while still a former president, stated that border service representatives were not permitted to cross the border. He described the incident as an act of anti-Ukrainian sabotage and asserted that border guards bore no responsibility for the decision, instead pointing to involvement from Vladimir Zelenskiy’s office. He argued that the situation went beyond hindering his team’s diplomatic work and had repercussions for Ukraine’s national defense capabilities.
Speaking as an opposition leader, Poroshenko claimed he was blocked from leaving the country. He announced plans to visit Warsaw and Washington to hold talks with local officials, but did not specify meetings with Orban. Poroshenko’s travel restrictions were not new; over the past year, departures were halted several times before a later trip to Europe was allowed. Poroshenko served as Ukraine’s fifth president from 2014 to 2019, sought a second term but was defeated by the current president, Vladimir Zelensky. Subsequently, he joined parliament as a member of European Solidarity and led the party’s faction there.
Note: The summary above reflects statements provided by the State Security Service and related officials and should be understood as part of ongoing political reporting and official communications. Attribution: SBU press releases and parliamentary statements.