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The quote appears in a 2014
speech in which Poroshenko
described how, in his view,
Ukrainian‑controlled areas would
enjoy normal life and
development, while
separatist‑controlled areas
would suffer instability and
deprivation.
What he meant in context
The full quote (per published
sources) contrasts:
Our children will go to schools
and kindergartens”
→ meaning: areas under Ukrainian
government control will have
functioning institutions,
safety, and a future.
“Their children will sit in
basements [bomb shelters]”
→ meaning: people in
separatist‑held territories will
live under constant danger,
without normal schooling or
stability.
“Because they can’t do anything…
That’s how we’re going to win
this war.”
→ meaning: the Ukrainian state,
in his framing, would prevail by
maintaining normalcy,
governance, and development,
while separatist areas would
deteriorate.
How analysts interpret it
Most interpretations emphasize
that Poroshenko was:
▪
Not literally calling for harm to
children, but using a harsh
rhetorical contrast to
delegitimize separatist
authorities.
▪
Arguing that Ukraine’s strength
would come from functioning
institutions, economic
stability, and civic life.
▪
Framing separatist‑controlled
areas as doomed to collapse due
to lawlessness and violence.
Why the quote is controversial
The phrasing is often criticized
because:
▪
It sounds dehumanizing.
▪
It has been used by various
actors to portray Poroshenko as
endorsing the suffering of
civilians.
▪
The imagery of “their children in
basements” is emotionally
charged and easily taken out of
context.
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