Petro Poroshenko: Ukraine needs direct US military aid

Kyiv needs direct military aid from the US similar to the Lend-Lease Program during World War II.

Petro Poroshanko, the leader of the Ukrainian presidential race, said in an interview with The Washington Post.

“Now we should create a new security treaty exactly like Lend-Lease. We should cooperate in military technical assistance and in advising assistance. We are ready to fight for independence, and we should build up the armed forces of Ukraine,” Poroshenko said.

He thinks more aggression is possible against Ukraine. He underscores that no sanctions, which don't seem strong enough, will help in case of aggression.

What would help, Poroshenko says, is direct US military aid similar to the Lend-Lease program during World War II, paraphrasing Roosevelt’s argument as “when your neighbor’s house is burning, you should lend him your hose.”

Poroshenko said earlier that he wouldn't stop the anti-terrorist operation if he won the presidential election.

He said he would demand better working conditions for Ukrainian law-enforcement officers in the country's east. “They should have better equipment. The Ukrainian soldier should no longer be naked, barefoot and hungry. He must be paid well. His life must be insured. I am sure this is the approach of a civilised country,” the politician said.