You're reading: Poroshenko says members of parliament to be elected at snap polls may represent Donbas at talks with Kyiv

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko believes that people who will be elected in Donbas to the Verkhovna Rada during a snap parliamentary election, set for Oct. 26, may represent the region at negotiations with the Kyiv authorities.

“Those whom Donbas will elect as its deputies in two months’ time will receive the mandate of trust and right to represent the region in its contacts with the central authorities,” Poroshenko said in a message to Ukrainian citizens on Aug. 25.

“The early parliamentary elections are part of my peace plan. A key element of it is political dialogue with Donbas,” the president said.

“Excuse me, but is there really anyone to speak to?” he said.

“It is possible to speak to illegal armed groups only with the help of force until they lay down their arms. And the majority of those who were elected at the parliamentary elections of 2012 have lost their authority and influence on people. People do not see them, and even do not want to see some of them,” Poroshenko said.