Ukraine continues to move closer to the West, as eastern provinces remain engulfed in conflict between separatists and pro-government forces. With the inauguration of a new president, Ukraine will try to reconcile both sides of the conflict.

Petro Poroshenko has been sworn in as Ukraine's new president via a ceremony filled with pomp and grandeur as way of celebrating Ukraine's unity and history. According to the New York Times, Poroshenko announced his desire for an end to violence; however, he also reaffirmed Ukraine's claim of the Crimea.

"Russia occupied Crimea, which was, is and will be Ukrainian soil," Poroshenko told an audience that included Vice President Joe Biden and other international dignitaries. "Yesterday, in the course of the meeting in Normandy, I told this to President Putin: Crimea is Ukraine soil. Period. There can be no compromise on the issues of Crimea, European choice and state structure."

In an attempt to extend an olive branch to those against the government, the new president offered amnesty to any fighter who put down his weapons. He also offered a safe passage to Russian mercenaries fighting in Ukraine, an acknowledgement of Russia's involvement in the conflict.

According to the Times, Poroshenko vowed to continue fighting those who oppose the government until they are subdued, ignoring calls by the U.S. and the European Union for a peaceful solution via diplomacy. Ukraine will strengthen its ties with the EU by signing the trade agreement with the bloc of nations. Poroshenko's predecessor failed to sign the deal because of Russian pressure, which led to massive protests.

Poroshenko also pledged to fight corruption and unemployment. To placate demonstrators, he also said there will be elections for parliament. To show support, the U.S. has pledged $48 million in aide for Ukraine. The Times reported that the U.S. will also be giving $8 million to Moldova and Georgia each as they prepare to align with the EU.

Poroshenko's desire to reestablish connections with Russia are seen in the upcoming talks that will begin in Brussels. According to Al-Jazeera, Russia, Ukraine and the EU will begin talks on gas prices. Gazprom, Russia's state-owned gas supplier and Naftogaz, Ukraine's state energy provider, have not reached an agreement on price, which could threaten gas supplies.

After a failed meeting in Berlin last week, all the parties involved, including the EU, which would lose its gas supply, will meet in Brussels to continue negotiations. The contentious topic is gas prices, which Gazprom raised following the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russia president. Russia doubled the price of gas to $485 per 1,000 cubic meters. If Ukraine does not pay its outstanding debt by June 10, Gazprom will cut its supply of gas to Ukraine and Europe.

Related