Poroshenko claims election victory in Ukraine

(Vatican Radio) Ukraine’s presidency has been claimed by billionaire candy-maker Petro Poroshenko  Yet, the presidential election was overshadowed by the death of a young Italian journalist and his translator. The 48-year-old confectionery magnate Poroshenko, who has been dubbed Ukraine's 'Chocolate King', appeared confident when he declared victory. 

He defeated his main rival, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, known as the 'Gas Princess' for her previous interests in the country's massive natural gas business. 

She appeared briefly to accept defeat, saying the election was fair expressing hope for Ukraine.  

In his acceptance speech, president-elect Poroshenko said he would not be intimidated by neighboring Russia, which recently annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, following a referendum there on joining the Russian Federation.      

He said, “The number one issue is that Ukraine will never recognize the illegitimate referendum and will never recognize the occupation of Crimea." 

Poroshenko added that the strategic choice for the development of his country has been made by the Ukrainian people. 

"Today, on May 25, in the first round the people have made their choice. And that choice is European integration,” he told supporters. 

Poroshenko becomes president amid ongoing deadly clashes between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces in the east of the country.  

Amid the turmoil a 30 year old Italian journalist and his Russian translator were killed near the Ukrainian town of Slaviansk by mortars. A French photographer was injured.

Italy’s foreign ministry said Sunday that photojournalist Andrea Rocchelli had been covering the conflict ahead of the presidential poll.

Pro-Russian rebels have been battling Ukrainian security forces in the east of the country. More than a dozen Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian forces were killed in recent days.  Listen to this report by Stefan Bos