Ukraine's new president Petro Poroshenko was sworn in during an inauguration ceremony on Saturday.

The ceremony at the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) was attended by a number of foreign delegations, including US Vice President Joe Biden and Russia's Ambassador to Ukraine, the BBC reported.

During his inauguration speech, the 48-year-old confectionery tycoon vowed to end the war in Eastern Ukraine and unite the country.

Poroshenko, who won the May 25 elections with 54.7% on the first round, is seen by the international community as a hope for bringing peace to Ukraine. Furthermore, Russia has recognized his legitimacy and expressed openness to hold talks with the new president.

Nonetheless, Poroshenko has clearly stated that Crimea remains part of Ukraine, despite the controversial referendum for joining the Russian Federation.

Clashes between government forces and pro-Russian rebels continued on Friday around the city of Slaviansk. The Interior Ministry reported that one police officer had been killed and two more seriously injured during a mortar attack.

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