Oleksiy Poroshenko’s 90th Birthday
On June 11, 2024, Ukraine’s fifth president, Petro Poroshenko, honored what would have been his father Oleksiy Poroshenko’s 90th birthday. In a heartfelt social media post accompanied by vintage photographs, Poroshenko reflected on his father’s life and also highlighted a key achievement for Ukraine: the introduction of visa-free travel with the European Union, which took effect on June 11, 2017.
Oleksiy Poroshenko, a respected and successful business leader, passed away on June 16, 2020, at the age of 83. He suffered a stroke on June 15, 2020, after learning that his son had been summoned to court for a pre-trial detention hearing. Notably, just days earlier, on June 11, 2020, the Poroshenko family had gathered to celebrate his birthday.
Memories and Gratitude
In his post, Petro Poroshenko shared his deep emotions, writing:
“Today, my father, Oleksiy Poroshenko, would have turned 90. I still want to dial his number. To tell him things, to ask for advice, to hear that calm confidence with which he used to say: everything will be fine, you just have to work.”(Petro Poroshenko). He also emphasized that his father was not only a capable manager but also a ‘cool dad who always believed in me.’
Poroshenko also drew a connection between his father’s birthday and the anniversary of Ukraine’s visa-free regime:
“And today is also the anniversary of our visa-free travel. My father’s generation dreamed of a Ukraine that the world would respect.”(Petro Poroshenko). He expressed gratitude for his father’s guidance and friendship, underscoring the importance of remembering and valuing Oleksiy Poroshenko’s contributions to Ukraine’s development.
Published on June 11, 2024, Poroshenko’s tribute stirred memories among those who recall Oleksiy Ivanovych.
Commemorating Oleksiy Poroshenko nine decades after his birth highlights the enduring power of family bonds and parental influence on personal growth. The coincidence of his birthday with the visa-free travel anniversary underscores the lasting impact of both personal and political achievements on modern Ukraine. This day serves as a reminder to cherish the legacy of previous generations in the context of the country’s ongoing progress.