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Poroshenko insists on debating rival Zelensky on April 14

Zelensky suggested to hold the debates April 19
Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky
Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko
© AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky

KIEV, April 8./TASS/. Incumbent President of Ukraine Pyotr Poroshenko insists on having a televised face-off with his rival in the runoff election Vladimir Zelensky at a Kiev stadium on April 14, instead of April 19 suggested by Zelensky, speaker Oleg Medvedev from the Poroshenko headquarters said on Monday.

"Poroshenko’s suggestion to have a debate at Kiev’s Olympiysky Stadium on April 14 stays in place," Medvedev said. Earlier on Monday, Zelensky said he would wait for his election rival on April 19.

"My debate with Poroshenko, during which I will be able to ask him any questions, will be held on April 19 at Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex," he said in a video address posted on his headquarters’ Telegram channel.

"I believe that the Ukrainian people have a host of questions for the president that have piled up over the past five years, which you cannot ask him, but I can do that on your behalf," he emphasized.

On Sunday, Poroshenko said he would be waiting for Zelensky seeking to debate him at the stadium on April 14. The president added though that he didn’t think the stadium was the best venue for such an event.

According to Ukraine’s law on presidential elections, the debate should take place on April 19, the last Friday before the runoff election.

On Sunday, Ukraine’s Central Election Commission announced the official results of the first round of the presidential election in the country. The candidate from the Servant of the People Party Vladimir Zelensky received 30.24% of votes, while incumbent Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko came in second with 15.95%. The runoff race has been set for April 21.