Original title: former Ukrainian President Poroshenko accepted the trial of the treason case, saying that the current president Zelensky undermined unity
On January 17 local time, former Ukrainian President Poroshenko accepted the trial of his treason case at the pechelski District Court in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.
According to "Russia today" reported on January 17, the prosecutor said that he would make a final ruling on January 19 local time. Poroshenko said in the trial that he was innocent. He believes that he was charged with treason because the current Ukrainian President zelenski fabricated the crime in order to "discredit" him politically. Poroshenko said that Ze Lens Ki's move is to divert attention from Ukraine's domestic economic difficulties, COVID-19 and other issues.
Poroshenko also accused Zelensky, saying that Ukrainian leaders should be responsible for national unity. "I think the current leaders are very irresponsible in splitting the country and undermining unity." He shouted to supporters outside the court: "we are here to unite and protect Ukraine."
Reuters quoted critics on January 17 as saying that as Ukraine is preparing to deal with "possible military attacks by Russia", Ukraine hopes to get the support of its allies. Poroshenko's return to Ukraine now is "an ill considered interference". Western diplomats called on Ukraine to "political unity".
In December 2021, Poroshenko was accused of financing "separatists" in eastern Ukraine through illegal sale of coal during his tenure from 2014 to 2015. However, Poroshenko said that the sale of coal was to prevent Ukraine's economic collapse, and he himself did not get any benefit from it.
On January 6 this year, the pechelski District Court of Kiev decided to confiscate all Poroshenko's property, including a luxury house, two apartments, several lands and the shares of several companies it held on the outskirts of Kiev. Some Ukrainian media pointed out that Poroshenko faces a number of charges, including "supporting terrorism" and treason. If convicted, Poroshenko will face up to 15 years' imprisonment.