With guarded optimism, Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko has expressed his thanks for European Union support to end armed hostilities in eastern Ukraine. <br /><br /> He was meeting leaders in Brussels after gruelling talks in Minsk, resulting in a ceasefire agreement, to take effect from this Saturday at midnight.<br /><br /> Poroshenko said: “It was very difficult negotiation and we expect a not easy implementation process. Ukraine has always been very responsible in implementation of the Minsk agreement, unlike the other sides. That is also why I arrived in Brussels to coordinate our next step with the European Union partners. The EU has demonstrated again, as usual, a real partnership with Ukraine, and I want to thank President Tusk and all the leaders of the member states for this strong support.”<br /><br /> Standing next to European Council President Donald Tusk, Poroshenko mentioned how short of sleep he was, also expressing satisfaction for help from the IMF; he called it a financial pillow.
