Former Ukraine leader Poroshenko stated that current leader Volodymyr Zelensky is driving the country into dictatorship. Speaking to BILD newspaper in Kiev, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko criticized his successor by accusing him of leading the nation towards dictatorship: “He is an unhappy leader of a team pushing the nation towards dictatorship. However, Ukraine is not Russia, and we will not allow a dictatorship to be established in Ukraine. That’s the biggest difference.” FORMER LEADER UNDER SANCTIONS Poroshenko is seen as Zelensky’s biggest political rival in Ukraine. Leading the country from 2014 to 2019, Porošenko, as the leader of the largest opposition party called “European Solidarity,” is currently under sanctions. He is not allowed to leave the country and his access to assets is blocked. Describing the sanctions against him and his party as an “attack on freedom and democracy,” Poroshenko is considered to face charges of “treason,” while his supporters argue that a politically motivated campaign is being carried out to silence Zelensky’s rival. “RULE OF LAW VIOLATED” Poroshenko stated that the case brought against him is an “attack on his country’s future in Europe,” mentioning, “Because the principle of the rule of law, which is now being brutally violated, is crucial for our European integration.” He added, “I am the only political leader, the only opposition leader, under sanctions without any explanation. What’s happening here is unconstitutional, illegal, with no court decision. This is completely foolish, illegal, and a criminal violation of the rule of law.” TRUMP’S TEAM ALLEGEDLY MET WITH OPPOSITION Furthermore, following his dispute with Zelensky, it was alleged that allies of Trump had met with prominent figures of the Ukrainian opposition, including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and a member of former President Petro Poroshenko’s party.