Incoming Ukrainian president says he won't negotiate with separatists

KIEV, Ukraine, May 27 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President-elect Petro Poroshenko, after a large victory in the weekend's elections, promised to restore order in Ukraine and mend ties with Russia.

Speaking Monday in Kiev, he added the interim government running Ukraine, including Prime Minister Arseniy Matsenyuk, would remain in place, and that Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin would meet for discussions, most likely in July.

Poroshenko, a billionaire, cited his business involvement in Russia and personal connection with Putin, saying "since Mr. Putin and I know each other quite well, I think this will lead to very important results."

Poroshenko added he would not negotiate with separatists in eastern Ukraine, who attacked an airport in Donetsk before being evicted over the weekend. He added he would expect swifter results from the Ukrainian military in subduing the separatists.

He received 54 percent of the vote for the presidency, which international observers said was carried out with fairness and openness, although polls were not open in the eastern part of the country.