Poroshenko sworn in as Ukraine’s president

Petro Poroshenko took the oath of office as Ukraine’s president Saturday, assuming leadership of a country mired in a violent uprising and economic troubles.

Poroshenko has promised a comprehensive plan to put an end to the hostilities as soon as he takes office, including an amnesty to the rebels and an offer of early regional elections in the east.

He assumed power a day after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin at D-Day commemoration ceremonies in France.

Poroshenko, who became a billionaire as a candy tycoon, was elected on May 25, three months after the pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych fled the country in the wake of months of street protests.

In his inaugural speech, Poroshenko was expected to detail plans for ending a pro-Russian separatist uprising in the country's east that broke out after Yanukovych’s ouster.

Putin has denied allegations by Kiev and the West that Russia has fomented the rebellion in the east, and he insisted Friday that Poroshenko needs to speak directly to representatives from the east.

Poroshenko said in a statement that he expected the Russian parliament to rescind its decision granting Putin permission to use the military on the territory of Ukraine and also wants a joint action plan on sealing the Russian-Ukrainian border.