IMHO, Poroshenko is quite a pragmatic politician, probably the best choice Ukraine could ever make during their elections, but he is still under pressure from really bad actors he simply cannot ignore considering Ukrainian politics.
Yes, but recently it's looked like he's making decisions rather than having them dictated to him. It's a fine line to walk...
I agree he's likely a good choice...lesser of all the other evils...only because he's also been part of the corruption in Ukraine's Government for several years prior to his election. ....However that gives him an advantage...he knows their game above and beyond the US and EU, who have little understanding of how Ukraine works and who has to be jockeyed around.
I'll also say that even Putin can work with Poroshenko and Poroshenko knew this as well going into the election. He also knew when the dust settled he'd have to work with Russia.
I think he's been telling EU and US reps. (Wales Summit)) that their way isn't working and he's stepping up to the plate himself, and that they can either support him or take a hike. He's going to do what he thinks will work for HIS country.
(side note).....'Coal deals' in the East are in play currently.