The EU on Thursday defended the "unprecedented" support it has given to Ukraine after it emerged US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-bans-venezuelan-officials-from-us-boosts-aid-in-support-of-opposition-252092">Donald Trump</a> and his Ukrainian counterpart had attacked the bloc for not doing enough.

A spokesman for the European Commission, said the bloc had given <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-caught-in-trump-row-says-nobody-can-pressure-me-251999">Ukraine</a> more than 15 billion euros in grants and loans since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, calling it "the largest support package in the history of the EU."

The comments came after the White House released details of a July phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which the US leader said Europe should do more to help Kiev.

Zelensky, who came to power in May, said he agreed "1,000 percent" and claimed the US was "a much bigger partner" for his country than the EU.

Commission spokesman Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela said the EU was a "staunch supporter" of Ukraine and its efforts to reform.

"It is important to say that the European Union's support to Ukraine is unprecedented. In these five years we have put together for Ukraine the largest support package in the history of the European Union," he told a daily briefing.

"On military and security support in Ukraine, we fully and resolutely support Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty."

As well as financial and technical support, the EU has also backed Ukraine with a raft of sanctions linked to Moscow's annexation of Crimea and the continuing conflict against pro-Kremlin rebels in the country's east.

The EU on Thursday defended the "unprecedented" support it has given to Ukraine after it emerged US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart had attacked the bloc for not doing enough.

The EU on Thursday defended the "unprecedented" support it has given to Ukraine after it emerged US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart had attacked the bloc for not doing enough. A spokesman for the European Commission, said the bloc had given Ukraine more than 15 billion euros in grants and loans since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, calling it "the largest support package in the history of the EU." The comments came after the White House released details of a July phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which the US leader said Europe should do more to help Kiev. Zelensky, who came to power in May, said he agreed "1,000 percent" and claimed the US was "a much bigger partner" for his country than the EU. Commission spokesman Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela said the EU was a "staunch supporter" of Ukraine and its efforts to reform. "It is important to say that the European Union's support to Ukraine is unprecedented. In these five years we have put together for Ukraine the largest support package in the history of the European Union," he told a daily briefing. "On military and security support in Ukraine, we fully and resolutely support Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty." As well as financial and technical support, the EU has also backed Ukraine with a raft of sanctions linked to Moscow's annexation of Crimea and the continuing conflict against pro-Kremlin rebels in the country's east.

European Union defends Ukraine support after Trump call row

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted Wednesday he had not been "pushed" by Donald Trump during a controversial phone call in which the US president urged an investigation of his political rival.

"We had -- I think (a) good phone call. It was normal. We spoke about many things, and... so I think and you read it that nobody pushed me," Zelensky told reporters, with Trump sitting at his side.

The two met on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly meeting after Democrats launched an impeachment investigation into Trump, alleging he abused his powers as president for personal political ends. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The July 25 call summary -- which is not a verbatim transcript -- shows Trump saying US Attorney General Bill Barr and the president's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani would be in touch about probing the Ukraine-related activities of Biden and his son.

'A disgraceful thing'

In announcing the launch of impeachment proceedings on Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Trump had betrayed his oath of office in seeking Ukraine's help to find dirt on Biden.

Faced with the possibility of becoming the third US president in history to be impeached, Trump has pushed back hard -- branding the probe the "single greatest witch hunt in American history... a disgraceful thing."&nbsp;

Pelosi had long resisted pressure from the party rank-and-file for impeachment, preferring to focus on next year's election fight.

A Quinnipiac poll released Wednesday said that only 37 per cent of voters support impeaching Trump while 57 per cent oppose, even if more than half disapprove of the US leader's performance.

But on Tuesday, Pelosi abandoned months of resistance, 11 days after news that an anonymous US intelligence official had filed a whistleblower complaint on Trump's alleged double-dealing with Ukraine.

Democrats made clear the White House's release of the call record would not satisfy their investigation into whether the US leader broke the law.

They are demanding the full release of the whistleblower complaint, even as the Justice Department declared that it showed no wrongdoing and said, "no further action was warranted."

The next explosive episode in the rapidly unfolding impeachment drama is set for Thursday when acting director of national intelligence Joseph McGuire, who has refused to release the complaint, testifies on Capitol Hill.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted Wednesday he had not been "pushed" by Donald Trump during a controversial phone call in which the US president urged an investigation of his political rival.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted Wednesday he had not been "pushed" by Donald Trump during a controversial phone call in which the US president urged an investigation of his political rival. "We had -- I think (a) good phone call. It was normal. We spoke about many things, and... so I think and you read it that nobody pushed me," Zelensky told reporters, with Trump sitting at his side. The two met on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly meeting after Democrats launched an impeachment investigation into Trump, alleging he abused his powers as president for personal political ends. The July 25 call summary -- which is not a verbatim transcript -- shows Trump saying US Attorney General Bill Barr and the president's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani would be in touch about probing the Ukraine-related activities of Biden and his son. 'A disgraceful thing' In announcing the launch of impeachment proceedings on Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Trump had betrayed his oath of office in seeking Ukraine's help to find dirt on Biden. Faced with the possibility of becoming the third US president in history to be impeached, Trump has pushed back hard -- branding the probe the "single greatest witch hunt in American history... a disgraceful thing." Pelosi had long resisted pressure from the party rank-and-file for impeachment, preferring to focus on next year's election fight. A Quinnipiac poll released Wednesday said that only 37 per cent of voters support impeaching Trump while 57 per cent oppose, even if more than half disapprove of the US leader's performance. But on Tuesday, Pelosi abandoned months of resistance, 11 days after news that an anonymous US intelligence official had filed a whistleblower complaint on Trump's alleged double-dealing with Ukraine. Democrats made clear the White House's release of the call record would not satisfy their investigation into whether the US leader broke the law. They are demanding the full release of the whistleblower complaint, even as the Justice Department declared that it showed no wrongdoing and said, "no further action was warranted." The next explosive episode in the rapidly unfolding impeachment drama is set for Thursday when acting director of national intelligence Joseph McGuire, who has refused to release the complaint, testifies on Capitol Hill.

Ukraine president Zelensky calls controversial Donald Trump call 'normal'

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will release the "fully declassified" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-denies-pressurising-ukraine-into-investigating-joe-biden-for-corruption-251618">transcript of a controversial call with Ukraine's president</a> which is fueling Democratic calls for his impeachment.

"I am currently at the United Nations representing our country but have authorised the release tomorrow of the complete, fully declassified and unredacted transcript of my phone conversation with President Zelensky of Ukraine," Trump tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
....You will see it was a very friendly and totally appropriate call. No pressure and, unlike Joe Biden and his son, NO quid pro quo! This is nothing more than a continuation of the Greatest and most Destructive Witch Hunt of all time!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1176559970390806530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"You will see it was a very friendly and totally appropriate call," wrote Trump, who is accused of pressuring Zelensky to investigate his White House rival Joe Biden and his son.

"No pressure and, unlike Joe Biden and his son, NO quid pro quo!"

The latest development comes after Trump confirmed he had withheld nearly $400 million in US aid to Ukraine but denied he did so as leverage to get its president to initiate an investigation that would damage Democratic political rival, Joe Biden.

In remarks to reporters over the intensifying controversy, Trump sought to portray that there was nothing sinister about withholding the aid, saying he wanted Europe and not just the United States step up and provide&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;assistance.

The money was later released by the Trump administration.

Trump is seeking re-election next year and Biden, the former US vice president, is the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will release the "fully declassified" transcript of a controversial call with Ukraine's president which is fueling Democratic calls for his impeachment.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will release the "fully declassified" transcript of a controversial call with Ukraine's president which is fueling Democratic calls for his impeachment. "I am currently at the United Nations representing our country but have authorised the release tomorrow of the complete, fully declassified and unredacted transcript of my phone conversation with President Zelensky of Ukraine," Trump tweeted. ....You will see it was a very friendly and totally appropriate call. No pressure and, unlike Joe Biden and his son, NO quid pro quo! This is nothing more than a continuation of the Greatest and most Destructive Witch Hunt of all time! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2019 × "You will see it was a very friendly and totally appropriate call," wrote Trump, who is accused of pressuring Zelensky to investigate his White House rival Joe Biden and his son. "No pressure and, unlike Joe Biden and his son, NO quid pro quo!" The latest development comes after Trump confirmed he had withheld nearly $400 million in US aid to Ukraine but denied he did so as leverage to get its president to initiate an investigation that would damage Democratic political rival, Joe Biden. In remarks to reporters over the intensifying controversy, Trump sought to portray that there was nothing sinister about withholding the aid, saying he wanted Europe and not just the United States step up and provide Ukraine assistance. The money was later released by the Trump administration. Trump is seeking re-election next year and Biden, the former US vice president, is the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Have authorised release of fully declassified transcript of my call with Ukraine's president: Donald Trump

The White House released a call transcript Wednesday confirming Donald Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart to probe his political rival Joe Biden -- a day after Democrats seized on the explosive allegation to launch an impeachment process.

The White House released a call transcript Wednesday confirming Donald Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart to probe his political rival Joe Biden -- a day after Democrats seized on the explosive allegation to launch an impeachment process. "There's a lot of talk about Biden's son, that Biden stopped the prosecution and a lot of people want to find out about that," Trump told Volodymyr Zelensky in the July 25 call. As Barack Obama's vice president, Joe Biden and other Western leaders pressured Ukraine to get rid of the country's top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, because he was seen as not tough enough on corruption. "Biden went around bragging that he stopped the prosecution so if you can look into it," Trump said.

Trump asked Ukraine leader to investigate Biden, call transcript confirms 

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he discussed Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son in a call with Ukraine's president.

Trump's statement to reporters about his July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came as the Democratic leader of a key congressional panel said the pursuit of Trump's impeachment may be the "only remedy" to the situation.

Trump's call with Zelensky has been at the center of an escalating battle in Washington since Friday when news outlets reported that Trump repeatedly asked the Ukrainian leader to investigate whether Biden, the Democratic front-runner to take on Trump in next year's election, misused his position when he was vice president.

Trump told reporters at the White House that their phone conversation was mostly congratulatory but also touched on corruption and the Bidens.

"The conversation I had was largely congratulatory, with large corruption, all of the corruption taking place and largely the fact that we don't want our people like Vice President Biden and his son creating to the corruption already in Ukraine," Trump said.

Democrats have said that if Trump asked Zelensky to investigate Biden, it is tantamount to promoting foreign interference in the 2020 election.

Trump has denied doing anything improper. His allies, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have defended the president's phone call, which, according to news reports, was the subject of a complaint made by an as-yet-unnamed whistleblower.

If an investigation shows that Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Biden, the US Congress may have no choice but to pursue impeachment, Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on Sunday.

Schiff had previously shied away from calling for impeachment, but his comments on CNN's "State of the Union" showed his stance had shifted.

"If the president is essentially withholding military aid at the same time that he is trying to browbeat a foreign leader to do something illicit, to provide dirt on his opponent during a presidential campaign, then that may be the only remedy that is co-equal to the evil that conduct represents," Schiff said.

Other legislators have called for the Democratic leadership to pursue impeachment immediately, but Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has so far resisted calls to formally begin the process.

In a letter to colleagues later on Sunday, Pelosi warned the administration against keeping the details of the whistleblower complaint secret. The administration has so far resisted sharing the details of the complaint with lawmakers.

"If the administration persists in blocking this whistleblower from disclosing to Congress a serious possible breach of constitutional duties by the president, they will be entering a grave new chapter of lawlessness which will take us into a whole new stage of the investigation," Pelosi wrote.

Romney voices concerns

Senator Mitt Romney, who has clashed with Trump in the past, sounded a rare note of concern among Trump's fellow Republicans, many of whom have remained silent, defended Trump or escalated their attacks on Biden in the days after the reports about the Trump-Zelensky call.

"If the President asked or pressured Ukraine’s president to investigate his political rival, either directly or through his personal attorney, it would be troubling in the extreme," Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, said in a Twitter post.

Impeachment proceedings in Congress, which begin in the House, can lead to a president being removed from office, but Democrats would need the support of Republicans, who control the Senate.

Multiple news organizations reported on Friday that Trump repeatedly asked Zelensky to investigate whether Biden misused his position as vice president under Democratic President Barack Obama to threaten to withhold US aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into a gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired.

Biden has confirmed he wanted the prosecutor fired but denies it was to help his son. Biden said the wider US government, the European Union and other international institutions also wanted the prosecutor fired for his alleged failure to pursue major corruption cases.

Biden said on Saturday there should be an investigation into Trump's call, saying it "appears to be an overwhelming abuse of power." He said he never spoke to his son about Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he discussed Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son in a call with Ukraine's president. Trump's statement to reporters about his July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came as the Democratic leader of a key congressional panel said the pursuit of Trump's impeachment may be the "only remedy" to the situation.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he discussed Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son in a call with Ukraine's president. Trump's statement to reporters about his July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came as the Democratic leader of a key congressional panel said the pursuit of Trump's impeachment may be the "only remedy" to the situation. Trump's call with Zelensky has been at the center of an escalating battle in Washington since Friday when news outlets reported that Trump repeatedly asked the Ukrainian leader to investigate whether Biden, the Democratic front-runner to take on Trump in next year's election, misused his position when he was vice president. Trump told reporters at the White House that their phone conversation was mostly congratulatory but also touched on corruption and the Bidens. "The conversation I had was largely congratulatory, with large corruption, all of the corruption taking place and largely the fact that we don't want our people like Vice President Biden and his son creating to the corruption already in Ukraine," Trump said. Democrats have said that if Trump asked Zelensky to investigate Biden, it is tantamount to promoting foreign interference in the 2020 election. Trump has denied doing anything improper. His allies, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have defended the president's phone call, which, according to news reports, was the subject of a complaint made by an as-yet-unnamed whistleblower. If an investigation shows that Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Biden, the US Congress may have no choice but to pursue impeachment, Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on Sunday. Schiff had previously shied away from calling for impeachment, but his comments on CNN's "State of the Union" showed his stance had shifted. "If the president is essentially withholding military aid at the same time that he is trying to browbeat a foreign leader to do something illicit, to provide dirt on his opponent during a presidential campaign, then that may be the only remedy that is co-equal to the evil that conduct represents," Schiff said. Other legislators have called for the Democratic leadership to pursue impeachment immediately, but Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has so far resisted calls to formally begin the process. In a letter to colleagues later on Sunday, Pelosi warned the administration against keeping the details of the whistleblower complaint secret. The administration has so far resisted sharing the details of the complaint with lawmakers. "If the administration persists in blocking this whistleblower from disclosing to Congress a serious possible breach of constitutional duties by the president, they will be entering a grave new chapter of lawlessness which will take us into a whole new stage of the investigation," Pelosi wrote. Romney voices concerns Senator Mitt Romney, who has clashed with Trump in the past, sounded a rare note of concern among Trump's fellow Republicans, many of whom have remained silent, defended Trump or escalated their attacks on Biden in the days after the reports about the Trump-Zelensky call. "If the President asked or pressured Ukraine’s president to investigate his political rival, either directly or through his personal attorney, it would be troubling in the extreme," Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, said in a Twitter post. Impeachment proceedings in Congress, which begin in the House, can lead to a president being removed from office, but Democrats would need the support of Republicans, who control the Senate. Multiple news organizations reported on Friday that Trump repeatedly asked Zelensky to investigate whether Biden misused his position as vice president under Democratic President Barack Obama to threaten to withhold US aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into a gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired. Biden has confirmed he wanted the prosecutor fired but denies it was to help his son. Biden said the wider US government, the European Union and other international institutions also wanted the prosecutor fired for his alleged failure to pursue major corruption cases. Biden said on Saturday there should be an investigation into Trump's call, saying it "appears to be an overwhelming abuse of power." He said he never spoke to his son about Ukraine.

Trump says he discussed Biden in call with Ukrainian president Zelensky

US President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he discussed former vice president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-demands-trump-release-transcript-of-july-phone-call-with-ukrainian-president-250940">Joe Biden and corruption allegations</a> in a phone call with Ukraine's leader, adding to calls by Trump's opponents for his impeachment.

A whistleblower's complaint sparked off accusations that Trump had sought to persuade President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate a son of Biden, Trump's possible 2020 election challenger -- raising concerns of dangerous foreign meddling in the US election similar to the interference blamed on Russia in 2016.

Trump said that the conversation, held in July, addressed alleged corruption involving Biden and his son Hunter, and he floated the possibility that a transcript could be released.

"We had a very great conversation, very straight, very honest conversation. I hope they can put it out," Trump said, repeating that he had done nothing wrong in the latest scandal to shake his presidency.

"The conversation I had was largely congratulatory, was largely corruption... and largely the fact that we don't want our people, like vice president Biden and his son, creating... the corruption already in Ukraine."

Trump reportedly pressed Zelensky about eight times on the call to investigate possible corruption involving Hunter Biden, who worked with a Ukrainian natural gas company while his father was vice president.

Biden told reporters on Saturday that Trump's actions appeared "to be an overwhelming abuse of power."

"I know what I'm up against, a serial abuser. That's what this guy is," Biden said.

Impeachment calls return

The Democratic Party has been split on whether to push for impeachment proceedings against Trump since he came to power in 2017.

But influential congressman Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, on Sunday said that his own reservations about impeachment were fading over Trump's Ukraine call.

"We're talking about serious or flagrant abuse and a potential violation of the law," Schiff told CNN.

"I have been very reluctant to go down the path of impeachment (but) the president is pushing us down this road.

"This seems different in kind, and we may very well have crossed the Rubicon here."

The Ukraine scandal mushroomed last week when Schiff revealed the acting Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Maguire, had refused to hand over the whistleblower complaint to Congress -- the latest administration rebuff to Congressional oversight efforts.

Maguire is scheduled to publicly testify before Schiff's committee on Thursday.

Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, said Sunday that if Trump's administration continued to block the complaint being released "they will be entering a grave new chapter of lawlessness which will take us into a whole new stage of the investigation."

The phone call, reportedly on July 25, came the day after former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress about his report that catalogued extensive contacts between the Trump 2016 campaign and Russians, including attempts to cooperate or collude -- neither of which is a specific crime.

It also laid out in detail 10 instances when Trump allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation, which Trump dismissed as a "big hoax".

Trump's senior staff swung behind him on Sunday. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNN that "I don't have any reason to believe that the president pressured" President Zelensky.

"People know there were issues that Biden's son did business in Ukraine. I, for one, have concerns about that," Mnuchin said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told ABC that "if vice president Biden behaved inappropriately, if he was protecting his son and intervened in a way that was corrupt, I think we need to get to the bottom of it."

But Republican Senator Mitt Romney, a regular critic of Trump, said that any evidence of Trump asking Ukraine's president to investigate Biden "would be troubling in the extreme."

Trump and Zelensky will meet for the first time Wednesday at the UN General Assembly in New York.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he discussed former vice president Joe Biden and corruption allegations in a phone call with Ukraine's leader, adding to calls by Trump's opponents for his impeachment.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he discussed former vice president Joe Biden and corruption allegations in a phone call with Ukraine's leader, adding to calls by Trump's opponents for his impeachment. A whistleblower's complaint sparked off accusations that Trump had sought to persuade President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate a son of Biden, Trump's possible 2020 election challenger -- raising concerns of dangerous foreign meddling in the US election similar to the interference blamed on Russia in 2016. Trump said that the conversation, held in July, addressed alleged corruption involving Biden and his son Hunter, and he floated the possibility that a transcript could be released. "We had a very great conversation, very straight, very honest conversation. I hope they can put it out," Trump said, repeating that he had done nothing wrong in the latest scandal to shake his presidency. "The conversation I had was largely congratulatory, was largely corruption... and largely the fact that we don't want our people, like vice president Biden and his son, creating... the corruption already in Ukraine." Trump reportedly pressed Zelensky about eight times on the call to investigate possible corruption involving Hunter Biden, who worked with a Ukrainian natural gas company while his father was vice president. Biden told reporters on Saturday that Trump's actions appeared "to be an overwhelming abuse of power." "I know what I'm up against, a serial abuser. That's what this guy is," Biden said. Impeachment calls return The Democratic Party has been split on whether to push for impeachment proceedings against Trump since he came to power in 2017. But influential congressman Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, on Sunday said that his own reservations about impeachment were fading over Trump's Ukraine call. "We're talking about serious or flagrant abuse and a potential violation of the law," Schiff told CNN. "I have been very reluctant to go down the path of impeachment (but) the president is pushing us down this road. "This seems different in kind, and we may very well have crossed the Rubicon here." The Ukraine scandal mushroomed last week when Schiff revealed the acting Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Maguire, had refused to hand over the whistleblower complaint to Congress -- the latest administration rebuff to Congressional oversight efforts. Maguire is scheduled to publicly testify before Schiff's committee on Thursday. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, said Sunday that if Trump's administration continued to block the complaint being released "they will be entering a grave new chapter of lawlessness which will take us into a whole new stage of the investigation." The phone call, reportedly on July 25, came the day after former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress about his report that catalogued extensive contacts between the Trump 2016 campaign and Russians, including attempts to cooperate or collude -- neither of which is a specific crime. It also laid out in detail 10 instances when Trump allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation, which Trump dismissed as a "big hoax". Trump's senior staff swung behind him on Sunday. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNN that "I don't have any reason to believe that the president pressured" President Zelensky. "People know there were issues that Biden's son did business in Ukraine. I, for one, have concerns about that," Mnuchin said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told ABC that "if vice president Biden behaved inappropriately, if he was protecting his son and intervened in a way that was corrupt, I think we need to get to the bottom of it." But Republican Senator Mitt Romney, a regular critic of Trump, said that any evidence of Trump asking Ukraine's president to investigate Biden "would be troubling in the extreme." Trump and Zelensky will meet for the first time Wednesday at the UN General Assembly in New York.

As feud heats up, Donald Trump says Joe Biden was subject of Ukraine call

Joe Biden on Friday demanded Donald Trump release the transcript of a call in which the US president reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart for political gain, an act the Democratic presidential hopeful denounced as "clear-cut corruption."

Trump "should immediately release the transcript of the call in question, so that the American people can judge for themselves," Biden said, and also instruct the director of national intelligence to "stop stonewalling" and release to Congress the secret complaint about the call filed by a whistleblower.

Trump spoke by phone with Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25, a call US media said featured Trump seeking to coerce his counterpart into launching an investigation of Biden's son in order to dig up information that could damage Biden's 2020 presidential bid.

"Such clear-cut corruption damages and diminishes our institutions of government by making them tools of a personal political vendetta," Biden said in a statement.

Joe Biden on Friday demanded Donald Trump release the transcript of a call in which the US president reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart for political gain, an act the Democratic presidential hopeful denounced as "clear-cut corruption.

Joe Biden on Friday demanded Donald Trump release the transcript of a call in which the US president reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart for political gain, an act the Democratic presidential hopeful denounced as "clear-cut corruption." Trump "should immediately release the transcript of the call in question, so that the American people can judge for themselves," Biden said, and also instruct the director of national intelligence to "stop stonewalling" and release to Congress the secret complaint about the call filed by a whistleblower. Trump spoke by phone with Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25, a call US media said featured Trump seeking to coerce his counterpart into launching an investigation of Biden's son in order to dig up information that could damage Biden's 2020 presidential bid. "Such clear-cut corruption damages and diminishes our institutions of government by making them tools of a personal political vendetta," Biden said in a statement.

Joe Biden demands Trump release transcript of call in whistleblower case

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday warned the West against lifting sanctions on Russia as France pushes for rapprochement with Moscow.

But speaking on the sidelines of an annual forum in the capital Kiev, the 41-year-old leader told AFP that he had a "feeling" that Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready to improve ties with Ukraine.

Addressing the Yalta European Strategy (YES) forum, Zelensky said that some of Ukraine's Western partners have considered lifting sanctions against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-carry-out-prisoner-swap-trump-calls-it-first-giant-step-to-peace-248311">Russia.</a>

"Sometimes they think about lifting sanctions. You are losing money. Seriously?, I am sorry but we are losing people," Zelensky said, referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea and the Moscow-backed separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine.

"Essentially, sanctions are a tax needed to maintain world order. A peace tax, if you will. And you know in the civilised world it's normal to pay taxes," he said.

"Sanctions should remain" until peace was restored in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky added.

In 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and supported a separatist insurgency in Ukraine's industrial east. The conflict between Russia-backed fighters and Ukrainian troops has killed more than 13,000 people.

In response, the West has imposed sweeping economic sanctions targeting the Russian oil, defence and banking sectors as well as Russian officials over their alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

On Thursday, the European Union extended by six months sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian officials while economic penalties were extended in June.

French President Emmanuel Macron has in recent weeks pushed for a review of ties with Russia, indicating that more sanctions against Moscow were not in France's interests.

In a keynote speech to French ambassadors in late August, Macron said, "The European continent will never be stable, will never be secure, if we don't pacify and clarify our relations with Russia."

'Getting Crimea back'&nbsp;

Attempts to resolve the Ukraine crisis have been revived since the election in April of comedian-turned-president Zelensky.

The political novice fulfilled a key campaign promise by getting 35 detainees held by Russia sent home in a historic prisoner swap last weekend.

Paris has called for a new Ukraine summit of Putin, Zelensky and the French and German leaders to take place later this month.

Asked by AFP on the forum's sidelines if Putin was ready to make concessions, Zelensky said, "I don't know so far. I will understand this at our first meeting."

But he also said he had a "feeling" that Putin was ready to improve ties.

That feeling was based "on many things," he said. "From our (phone) calls to the political situation in the world on the whole."

Zelensky told the conference that work was underway to prepare a new prisoner swap with Russia.

He also said he would push for the return of Crimea but admitted it would be "the most complicated" issue.

"I'll be honest, we are thinking about it. We have several ideas," he said, declining to provide further details.

"We will fight to get Crimea back."

Zelensky added that he expected to meet with US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-steps-up-donald-trump-impeachment-probe-248698">Donald Trump </a>in Washington later this month.

The Kremlin has repeatedly said the return of Crimea to Ukraine is out of the question.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday warned the West against lifting sanctions on Russia as France pushes for rapprochement with Moscow. But speaking on the sidelines of an annual forum in the capital Kiev, the 41-year-old leader told AFP that he had a "feeling" that Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready to improve ties with Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday warned the West against lifting sanctions on Russia as France pushes for rapprochement with Moscow. But speaking on the sidelines of an annual forum in the capital Kiev, the 41-year-old leader told AFP that he had a "feeling" that Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready to improve ties with Ukraine. Addressing the Yalta European Strategy (YES) forum, Zelensky said that some of Ukraine's Western partners have considered lifting sanctions against Russia. "Sometimes they think about lifting sanctions. You are losing money. Seriously?, I am sorry but we are losing people," Zelensky said, referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea and the Moscow-backed separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine. "Essentially, sanctions are a tax needed to maintain world order. A peace tax, if you will. And you know in the civilised world it's normal to pay taxes," he said. "Sanctions should remain" until peace was restored in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky added. In 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and supported a separatist insurgency in Ukraine's industrial east. The conflict between Russia-backed fighters and Ukrainian troops has killed more than 13,000 people. In response, the West has imposed sweeping economic sanctions targeting the Russian oil, defence and banking sectors as well as Russian officials over their alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. On Thursday, the European Union extended by six months sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian officials while economic penalties were extended in June. French President Emmanuel Macron has in recent weeks pushed for a review of ties with Russia, indicating that more sanctions against Moscow were not in France's interests. In a keynote speech to French ambassadors in late August, Macron said, "The European continent will never be stable, will never be secure, if we don't pacify and clarify our relations with Russia." 'Getting Crimea back' Attempts to resolve the Ukraine crisis have been revived since the election in April of comedian-turned-president Zelensky. The political novice fulfilled a key campaign promise by getting 35 detainees held by Russia sent home in a historic prisoner swap last weekend. Paris has called for a new Ukraine summit of Putin, Zelensky and the French and German leaders to take place later this month. Asked by AFP on the forum's sidelines if Putin was ready to make concessions, Zelensky said, "I don't know so far. I will understand this at our first meeting." But he also said he had a "feeling" that Putin was ready to improve ties. That feeling was based "on many things," he said. "From our (phone) calls to the political situation in the world on the whole." Zelensky told the conference that work was underway to prepare a new prisoner swap with Russia. He also said he would push for the return of Crimea but admitted it would be "the most complicated" issue. "I'll be honest, we are thinking about it. We have several ideas," he said, declining to provide further details. "We will fight to get Crimea back." Zelensky added that he expected to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month. The Kremlin has repeatedly said the return of Crimea to Ukraine is out of the question.

Russia sanctions must remain in place: Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia.

Ukraine captured Vladimir Tsemakh, accused of fighting for pro-Russian separatists, in June, but he is believed to be a person of interest in the downing of MH17.&nbsp;

European lawmakers described him as a "key suspect" and asked Kyiv to make him available for testimony in the probe.

An AFP journalist was present as appellate court judge Yury Sliva in Kyiv ruled to release Tsemakh, cautioning him to remain available for questioning and not attempt to flee.

Tsemakh is a Ukrainian who is believed to have been in charge of air defence in the forces of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic near Snizhne in eastern Ukraine.

This is where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 came down in 2014, killing 298 people, most of them Dutch citizens.

Through his involvement in MH17 has never been confirmed by Ukraine, 40 European lawmakers on Wednesday asked President Volodymyr Zelensky to make sure he is available to be questioned by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team.

Russian and Ukrainian media have reported that Moscow is demanding that Tsemakh be handed over to Russia as part of an expected prisoner swap between the two countries.&nbsp;

Several high-profile Ukrainian prisoners are to be released from Russian jails under the swap, but the process had stalled amid reports that some Ukrainians have already been moved to Moscow from their prisons.

Dutch MEP Kati Piri said demanding the exchange of Tsemakh is a "strange request" which "suggests that the Russian government wants to prevent this suspect from appearing in court".

A Ukrainian source close to the talks told AFP that the exchange will happen "soon," possibly this week, but refused to comment on whether Tsemakh is among the individuals prepared for the swap.

The MH17 Boeing jet en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a BUK anti-aircraft missile.&nbsp;

Dutch investigators say the projectile originated from the Russian military's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade after it was transported to Snizhne from Russia's south-west Kursk region.

Tsemakh's release provoked criticism in Ukraine, with some predicting there would be consequences for the attempts by Ukraine's new president to build relations with the European Union.

"Ukraine is becoming a de facto co-conspirator in the MH17 crime," wrote journalist Petro Shuklinov on Facebook.&nbsp;

Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia.

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia. Ukraine captured Vladimir Tsemakh, accused of fighting for pro-Russian separatists, in June, but he is believed to be a person of interest in the downing of MH17. European lawmakers described him as a "key suspect" and asked Kyiv to make him available for testimony in the probe. An AFP journalist was present as appellate court judge Yury Sliva in Kyiv ruled to release Tsemakh, cautioning him to remain available for questioning and not attempt to flee. Tsemakh is a Ukrainian who is believed to have been in charge of air defence in the forces of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic near Snizhne in eastern Ukraine. This is where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 came down in 2014, killing 298 people, most of them Dutch citizens. Through his involvement in MH17 has never been confirmed by Ukraine, 40 European lawmakers on Wednesday asked President Volodymyr Zelensky to make sure he is available to be questioned by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team. Russian and Ukrainian media have reported that Moscow is demanding that Tsemakh be handed over to Russia as part of an expected prisoner swap between the two countries. Several high-profile Ukrainian prisoners are to be released from Russian jails under the swap, but the process had stalled amid reports that some Ukrainians have already been moved to Moscow from their prisons. Dutch MEP Kati Piri said demanding the exchange of Tsemakh is a "strange request" which "suggests that the Russian government wants to prevent this suspect from appearing in court". A Ukrainian source close to the talks told AFP that the exchange will happen "soon," possibly this week, but refused to comment on whether Tsemakh is among the individuals prepared for the swap. The MH17 Boeing jet en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a BUK anti-aircraft missile. Dutch investigators say the projectile originated from the Russian military's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade after it was transported to Snizhne from Russia's south-west Kursk region. Tsemakh's release provoked criticism in Ukraine, with some predicting there would be consequences for the attempts by Ukraine's new president to build relations with the European Union. "Ukraine is becoming a de facto co-conspirator in the MH17 crime," wrote journalist Petro Shuklinov on Facebook. Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

Ukraine court releases MH17 'suspect' pending trial

French President Emmanuel Macron and Russia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-seeks-ukraine-progress-from-putin-in-rare-pre-g7-talks-243465">Vladimir Putin on Monday agreed changes in Ukraine</a> had bolstered the chances of peace in its east but clashed on Syria, as the Russian leader made a rare bilateral visit to a key EU power.

Macron, who hosted Putin at his summer residence in southern France, made clear he wanted to keep contacts with Moscow alive on a range of issues even at a time of spiralling tensions with the West.

Speaking as their talks got underway, the pair both expressed optimism that the arrival of Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine's president had improved the chances of ending the half-decade conflict.

But they publicly sparred over the Syria civil war, where the Kremlin is a leading backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and also over the crackdown on protesters in Moscow.

The relationship between a youthful French leader who regards himself as a champion of European liberalism and the Russian strongman, in power for two decades, has been marked by wariness and tensions since Macron came to power in 2017.&nbsp;

'Profound worry'

Macron said he hoped to attend a summit with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and Germany -- the so-called Normandy format -- "in the next few weeks" to try to end fighting in eastern Ukraine.

"There is a real opportunity to put an end to the conflict that has been going on for five years," he told reporters in an open-air press conference at the start of talks.

Putin, who arrived at the remote retreat by helicopter, said,&nbsp;"There are things that are worth talking about and that give grounds for cautious optimism."

Macron also expressed "profound worry" about the bombing by regime forces of Syria's northern region of Idlib, telling Putin that it was "urgent" a ceasefire went into force.

"The population in Idlib is living under bombs, children are being killed," Macron told Putin.

But Putin appeared not to be swayed by the French president's appeal. "We support the efforts of the Syrian army... to end these terrorist threats," he replied, adding: "We never said that in Idlib terrorists would feel comfortable."

'Must resolve Ukraine'

Macron hosted Putin on a balmy early evening at the Bregancon fortress on France's Mediterranean coast, just days before he hosts world leaders including US President Donald Trump for the August 24-26 Group of Seven (G7) summit in Biarritz.

Russia was slung out of what was the G8 in 2014 after it seized Ukraine's Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, an annexation unrecognised by the international community.

The annexation was followed by a war in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russian-backed separatists which has so far claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Macron has taken a keen interest in brokering an end to the conflict and forging any progress would be a major feather in his cap as an international statesman.

"Relations between Russia and the European Union have an irritant, a subject of disagreement, which is Ukraine, which is a problem we have to resolve," Macron told the Russian leader.

"We need to keep up our pressure, our energy to resolve this problem," he added.&nbsp;

Asked if Russia would return to the G8, Putin quipped that it could not come back to an organisation that no longer existed.

But with Trump set to lead the G7 in 2020, he added: "Any contacts with our partners, in any format are always useful. We don't rule anything out."

'Won't happen in Moscow'

Pressed by reporters over the Russian authorities crackdown on opposition protests in Moscow, Putin said he did not want a &nbsp;situation like the French "yellow vests" to arise in the Russian capital.

Macron was since November last year rocked by the yellow vest protests over social inequalities, although they have now eased somewhat.

"I am a guest here and it's uncomfortable for me to talk about this," said Putin, before reeling off casualty tolls from the yellow vest protests.&nbsp;

"We would not want such a thing to happen in the Russian capital... We will do everything to make sure the situation remains within the realms of the law," he said.

Macron responded that France was a country where people can "express themselves freely and demonstrate freely... but they cannot disturb public order".

French President Emmanuel Macron and Russia's Vladimir Putin on Monday agreed changes in Ukraine had bolstered the chances of peace in its east but clashed on Syria, as the Russian leader made a rare bilateral visit to a key EU power.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Russia's Vladimir Putin on Monday agreed changes in Ukraine had bolstered the chances of peace in its east but clashed on Syria, as the Russian leader made a rare bilateral visit to a key EU power. Macron, who hosted Putin at his summer residence in southern France, made clear he wanted to keep contacts with Moscow alive on a range of issues even at a time of spiralling tensions with the West. Speaking as their talks got underway, the pair both expressed optimism that the arrival of Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine's president had improved the chances of ending the half-decade conflict. But they publicly sparred over the Syria civil war, where the Kremlin is a leading backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and also over the crackdown on protesters in Moscow. The relationship between a youthful French leader who regards himself as a champion of European liberalism and the Russian strongman, in power for two decades, has been marked by wariness and tensions since Macron came to power in 2017. 'Profound worry' Macron said he hoped to attend a summit with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and Germany -- the so-called Normandy format -- "in the next few weeks" to try to end fighting in eastern Ukraine. "There is a real opportunity to put an end to the conflict that has been going on for five years," he told reporters in an open-air press conference at the start of talks. Putin, who arrived at the remote retreat by helicopter, said, "There are things that are worth talking about and that give grounds for cautious optimism." Macron also expressed "profound worry" about the bombing by regime forces of Syria's northern region of Idlib, telling Putin that it was "urgent" a ceasefire went into force. "The population in Idlib is living under bombs, children are being killed," Macron told Putin. But Putin appeared not to be swayed by the French president's appeal. "We support the efforts of the Syrian army... to end these terrorist threats," he replied, adding: "We never said that in Idlib terrorists would feel comfortable." 'Must resolve Ukraine' Macron hosted Putin on a balmy early evening at the Bregancon fortress on France's Mediterranean coast, just days before he hosts world leaders including US President Donald Trump for the August 24-26 Group of Seven (G7) summit in Biarritz. Russia was slung out of what was the G8 in 2014 after it seized Ukraine's Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, an annexation unrecognised by the international community. The annexation was followed by a war in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russian-backed separatists which has so far claimed more than 13,000 lives. Macron has taken a keen interest in brokering an end to the conflict and forging any progress would be a major feather in his cap as an international statesman. "Relations between Russia and the European Union have an irritant, a subject of disagreement, which is Ukraine, which is a problem we have to resolve," Macron told the Russian leader. "We need to keep up our pressure, our energy to resolve this problem," he added. Asked if Russia would return to the G8, Putin quipped that it could not come back to an organisation that no longer existed. But with Trump set to lead the G7 in 2020, he added: "Any contacts with our partners, in any format are always useful. We don't rule anything out." 'Won't happen in Moscow' Pressed by reporters over the Russian authorities crackdown on opposition protests in Moscow, Putin said he did not want a situation like the French "yellow vests" to arise in the Russian capital. Macron was since November last year rocked by the yellow vest protests over social inequalities, although they have now eased somewhat. "I am a guest here and it's uncomfortable for me to talk about this," said Putin, before reeling off casualty tolls from the yellow vest protests. "We would not want such a thing to happen in the Russian capital... We will do everything to make sure the situation remains within the realms of the law," he said. Macron responded that France was a country where people can "express themselves freely and demonstrate freely... but they cannot disturb public order".

Russia's Vladimir Putin voices 'cautious optimism' on Ukraine in meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron

Eight people were killed and ten were injured in a hotel fire in Ukraine's port city of Odesa early Saturday, emergency services said.&nbsp;

The fire broke out at 1.34 am (2234 GMT) in the southern city's Tokyo Star hotel.

Some 65 firefighters backed by 13 emergency vehicles put out the blaze three hours later.&nbsp;

Emergency services said in a statement that eight people died and ten were injured.&nbsp;

In a statement on his Facebook page, <a href="wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-new-ukraine-peace-talks-possible-under-volodymyr-zelensky-228118">President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> said four of those injured were in a critical condition.&nbsp;

Odessa authorities said around 150 people were evacuated from the area.&nbsp;

Police opened a criminal investigation into possible violations of fire safety requirements and the causes of the fire were being established.&nbsp;

"We lost eight lives overnight," Zelensky said on Facebook.&nbsp;

"And this is not due to war and shelling. It is because of criminal negligence, neglect of elementary safety standards and neglect towards human life."&nbsp;

Zelensky added he would "personally make sure" that those responsible are punished "by the norms of the law."&nbsp;

Odesa is a Black Sea port 475 kilometres (300 miles) south of Ukraine's capital Kiev. The seaside town also attracts summer tourists. 
&nbsp;

Eight people were killed and ten were injured in a hotel fire in Ukraine's port city of Odesa early Saturday, emergency services said. The fire broke out at 1.34 am (2234 GMT) in the southern city's Tokyo Star hotel.

Eight people were killed and ten were injured in a hotel fire in Ukraine's port city of Odesa early Saturday, emergency services said. The fire broke out at 1.34 am (2234 GMT) in the southern city's Tokyo Star hotel. Some 65 firefighters backed by 13 emergency vehicles put out the blaze three hours later. Emergency services said in a statement that eight people died and ten were injured. In a statement on his Facebook page, President Volodymyr Zelensky said four of those injured were in a critical condition. Odessa authorities said around 150 people were evacuated from the area. Police opened a criminal investigation into possible violations of fire safety requirements and the causes of the fire were being established. "We lost eight lives overnight," Zelensky said on Facebook. "And this is not due to war and shelling. It is because of criminal negligence, neglect of elementary safety standards and neglect towards human life." Zelensky added he would "personally make sure" that those responsible are punished "by the norms of the law." Odesa is a Black Sea port 475 kilometres (300 miles) south of Ukraine's capital Kiev. The seaside town also attracts summer tourists.

Eight killed in Ukraine hotel fire

Ukraine Elections: Exit poll suggests Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party will win 43.9% of the vote. watch full video to know more. #UkraineElections

Exit poll predicts victory for Volodymyr Zelensky's party in Ukrainian parliamentary election

Ukrainians on Sunday go to the polls to elect a new parliament as comedian-turned-president Volodymyr Zelensky seeks to bring in political novices and consolidate his power.

Zelensky's newly-created party is expected to win the largest share of the votes in the elections that should usher in a new era in the ex-Soviet country dominated up to now by politicians who grew up in the USSR.

The leader's party Servant of the People -- named after a sitcom in which he played a president -- is predicted to get roughly half of the vote even though it barely existed before Zelensky won a landslide victory in an April presidential vote.

Zelensky's rise has been viewed as a rejection of Ukraine's political elite for failing to improve living standards, root out corruption and end the conflict with Russian-backed separatists that began in 2014 after a popular uprising ousted a pro-Moscow president.

The Ukrainian president must share power with parliament, which will nominate a prime minister and form a government.

Speaking in the run-up to the vote, Zelensky promised to put together a "technocratic government."

"My goal is to make Ukraine one of the fastest growing and developing European economies," he said in a video address.

The Western-backed country of 45 million people has gone through two popular uprisings in two decades and is still mired in the conflict with eastern separatists that has claimed some 13,000 lives.

Servant of the People may fall short of a majority and may need to form a coalition.

The ballot is expected to dramatically transform the makeup of the legislature, with analysts predicting that between 50 and 70 per cent of the next parliament will be first-time MPs.&nbsp;

Out of the five parties leading in opinion polls, two are newly created -- Zelensky's own party and Golos (Voice), led by rock star Svyatoslav Vakarchuk.

Packed with young people new to politics, the two parties have gone as far as banning any candidates who previously served as MPs from their lists.&nbsp;

Their candidates include businesspeople, athletes, and activists. Their average age is 37.

The 41-year-old Zelensky, who shocked Ukraine in April by becoming the country's youngest-ever post-Soviet leader, also invited ordinary Ukrainians to run for his party.

'Lot of challenges'

On the last day of campaigning on Friday, Vakarchuk and his popular band Okean Elzy gave a free concert in Kiev to a chanting, mostly young, crowd.&nbsp;

"We understand that it will be difficult. We understand that we will face a lot of challenges. We are ready," Vakarchuk told supporters.

Golos is likely to enter parliament, with polls showing support of between four and seven per cent.&nbsp;

In a boon for the Kremlin, a pro-Moscow party called Opposition Platform–For Life is the second most popular in opinion polls, with up to 13 per cent of voter support.

Top party candidate Viktor Medvedchuk, who has claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin is his daughter's godfather, is expected to return to parliament after a long absence.

Former president Petro Poroshenko's party -- now renamed European Solidarity -- and the party of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko have up to eight and nine per cent, respectively.

A total of 225 of parliament's 424 members are elected through party lists, while the rest are selected directly in single-member districts. &nbsp;

Parliamentary elections had been set to take place in October but Zelensky called early polls to cement his grip on power.&nbsp;

Ukrainians on Sunday go to the polls to elect a new parliament as comedian-turned-president Volodymyr Zelensky seeks to bring in political novices and consolidate his power.

Ukrainians on Sunday go to the polls to elect a new parliament as comedian-turned-president Volodymyr Zelensky seeks to bring in political novices and consolidate his power. Zelensky's newly-created party is expected to win the largest share of the votes in the elections that should usher in a new era in the ex-Soviet country dominated up to now by politicians who grew up in the USSR. The leader's party Servant of the People -- named after a sitcom in which he played a president -- is predicted to get roughly half of the vote even though it barely existed before Zelensky won a landslide victory in an April presidential vote. Zelensky's rise has been viewed as a rejection of Ukraine's political elite for failing to improve living standards, root out corruption and end the conflict with Russian-backed separatists that began in 2014 after a popular uprising ousted a pro-Moscow president. The Ukrainian president must share power with parliament, which will nominate a prime minister and form a government. Speaking in the run-up to the vote, Zelensky promised to put together a "technocratic government." "My goal is to make Ukraine one of the fastest growing and developing European economies," he said in a video address. The Western-backed country of 45 million people has gone through two popular uprisings in two decades and is still mired in the conflict with eastern separatists that has claimed some 13,000 lives. Servant of the People may fall short of a majority and may need to form a coalition. The ballot is expected to dramatically transform the makeup of the legislature, with analysts predicting that between 50 and 70 per cent of the next parliament will be first-time MPs. Out of the five parties leading in opinion polls, two are newly created -- Zelensky's own party and Golos (Voice), led by rock star Svyatoslav Vakarchuk. Packed with young people new to politics, the two parties have gone as far as banning any candidates who previously served as MPs from their lists. Their candidates include businesspeople, athletes, and activists. Their average age is 37. The 41-year-old Zelensky, who shocked Ukraine in April by becoming the country's youngest-ever post-Soviet leader, also invited ordinary Ukrainians to run for his party. 'Lot of challenges' On the last day of campaigning on Friday, Vakarchuk and his popular band Okean Elzy gave a free concert in Kiev to a chanting, mostly young, crowd. "We understand that it will be difficult. We understand that we will face a lot of challenges. We are ready," Vakarchuk told supporters. Golos is likely to enter parliament, with polls showing support of between four and seven per cent. In a boon for the Kremlin, a pro-Moscow party called Opposition Platform–For Life is the second most popular in opinion polls, with up to 13 per cent of voter support. Top party candidate Viktor Medvedchuk, who has claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin is his daughter's godfather, is expected to return to parliament after a long absence. Former president Petro Poroshenko's party -- now renamed European Solidarity -- and the party of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko have up to eight and nine per cent, respectively. A total of 225 of parliament's 424 members are elected through party lists, while the rest are selected directly in single-member districts. Parliamentary elections had been set to take place in October but Zelensky called early polls to cement his grip on power.

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky's party poised to win parliament vote

Ukraine's recently elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-new-ukraine-peace-talks-possible-under-volodymyr-zelensky-228118">President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> on Monday offered to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for their first talks, calling for Western leaders to mediate.

"Now I want to address the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vladimir-putin-replies-to-elton-johns-hypocrisy-comment-231519">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>. Do we need to talk? We do. Let's do it," Zelensky said in a video address.

The former comic actor who was elected with a landslide in April's presidential polls called for a meeting with the Russian strongman that would involve US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders.

He proposed discussing Russian-annexed Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine where Ukrainian forces are battling Russian-backed separatists.

Zelensky said on his inauguration in May that ending the war in the east and returning the annexed territory to Ukraine was his priority.

'Will be considered'&nbsp;

So far Zelensky has not met Putin and the Russian leader has commented that Zelensky's acting talent does not make up for lack of political experience.

"Let's discuss who Crimea belongs to and who isn't in the Donbass region," Zelensky said, referring to the eastern conflict zone.&nbsp;

Some 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine that erupted in 2014 after a popular uprising ousted pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych and Russia responded by annexing Crimea.&nbsp;

Kiev and its Western backers accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border to fan the flames of the conflict. Moscow has denied any military involvement despite evidence to the contrary.

A peace process involving Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine has stalled. In June, French President Emmanuel Macron said new talks could be possible with the same countries involved.

Zelensky suggested in comments addressed to Putin that fresh talks also include the United States and Britain, which are strong backers of Kiev.

"I suggest the following lineup for talks: me, you, US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (and) French President Emmanuel Macron," Zelensky said. May is to step down later this month.

"We are not changing or dropping any diplomatic formats," Zelensky added.&nbsp;

Moscow said it was not ready to immediately comment on the possibility of such talks, calling Zelensky's proposal an "absolutely new format".

"First there's a need to understand whether such a meeting has any prospects," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.

"This is a new initiative. Of course, it will be considered, but so far I can't express any reaction," he added. 
&nbsp;

Ukraine's recently elected President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday offered to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for their first talks, calling for Western leaders to mediate.

Ukraine's recently elected President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday offered to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for their first talks, calling for Western leaders to mediate. "Now I want to address the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Do we need to talk? We do. Let's do it," Zelensky said in a video address. The former comic actor who was elected with a landslide in April's presidential polls called for a meeting with the Russian strongman that would involve US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders. He proposed discussing Russian-annexed Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine where Ukrainian forces are battling Russian-backed separatists. Zelensky said on his inauguration in May that ending the war in the east and returning the annexed territory to Ukraine was his priority. 'Will be considered' So far Zelensky has not met Putin and the Russian leader has commented that Zelensky's acting talent does not make up for lack of political experience. "Let's discuss who Crimea belongs to and who isn't in the Donbass region," Zelensky said, referring to the eastern conflict zone. Some 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine that erupted in 2014 after a popular uprising ousted pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych and Russia responded by annexing Crimea. Kiev and its Western backers accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border to fan the flames of the conflict. Moscow has denied any military involvement despite evidence to the contrary. A peace process involving Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine has stalled. In June, French President Emmanuel Macron said new talks could be possible with the same countries involved. Zelensky suggested in comments addressed to Putin that fresh talks also include the United States and Britain, which are strong backers of Kiev. "I suggest the following lineup for talks: me, you, US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (and) French President Emmanuel Macron," Zelensky said. May is to step down later this month. "We are not changing or dropping any diplomatic formats," Zelensky added. Moscow said it was not ready to immediately comment on the possibility of such talks, calling Zelensky's proposal an "absolutely new format". "First there's a need to understand whether such a meeting has any prospects," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday. "This is a new initiative. Of course, it will be considered, but so far I can't express any reaction," he added.

Let's do it: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky offers to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin for first talks

The Ukrainian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Tuesday walked out in protest after Russian MPs were allowed to return to the human rights body five years after the annexation of Crimea.

Ukrainian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-new-ukraine-peace-talks-possible-under-volodymyr-zelensky-228118">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> said he was "disappointed" by the decision of the assembly (PACE) to readmit Russia, while the head of the delegation said Ukraine would halt its work at the assembly.

The Strasbourg-based assembly agreed early Tuesday to allow Russian representatives to return to the body, five years after Moscow was stripped of its voting rights over the annexation of Crimea.

"I am disappointed by a PACE decision to confirm the rights of the Russian delegation without restrictions," Zelensky said.

He added that he had discussed the issue with French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blow-for-president-emmanuel-macron-as-le-pen-tops-european-union-election-in-france-221915">Emmanuel Macron</a> and German Chancellor Angela Merkel last week.

"I tried to convince Mr Macron and Mrs Merkel that the return of the Russian delegation to PACE is possible only after Russia fulfils the assembly's main demands," he said in a post on Facebook.

"It's a pity that our European partners did not listen to us," the president said.

Ukrainian lawmaker Volodymyr Ariev, head of his country's PACE delegation, said it decided "to suspend its participation in the work of PACE except issues related to stripping the Russian delegation of its rights," Ariev said in a post on Facebook.

He said the delegation asked the Ukrainian parliament to "urgently" consider the country's membership of the assembly.

The delegation also asked the Ukrainian president to consider the issue of the country's further work at the Council of Europe.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Tuesday walked out in protest after Russian MPs were allowed to return to the human rights body five years after the annexation of Crimea.

The Ukrainian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Tuesday walked out in protest after Russian MPs were allowed to return to the human rights body five years after the annexation of Crimea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was "disappointed" by the decision of the assembly (PACE) to readmit Russia, while the head of the delegation said Ukraine would halt its work at the assembly. The Strasbourg-based assembly agreed early Tuesday to allow Russian representatives to return to the body, five years after Moscow was stripped of its voting rights over the annexation of Crimea. "I am disappointed by a PACE decision to confirm the rights of the Russian delegation without restrictions," Zelensky said. He added that he had discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel last week. "I tried to convince Mr Macron and Mrs Merkel that the return of the Russian delegation to PACE is possible only after Russia fulfils the assembly's main demands," he said in a post on Facebook. "It's a pity that our European partners did not listen to us," the president said. Ukrainian lawmaker Volodymyr Ariev, head of his country's PACE delegation, said it decided "to suspend its participation in the work of PACE except issues related to stripping the Russian delegation of its rights," Ariev said in a post on Facebook. He said the delegation asked the Ukrainian parliament to "urgently" consider the country's membership of the assembly. The delegation also asked the Ukrainian president to consider the issue of the country's further work at the Council of Europe.

Ukraine walks out of European rights body after Russia's return

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said it may be possible to hold new peace talks over the conflict in the east of Ukraine as he hosted new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his first official visit to France.

Macron praised the ambition of Zelensky, a former comic actor who stunned the world to win the presidency earlier this year, to end the five-year conflict.

The French president said new summit talks could be possible under the so-called Normandy format grouping himself, the Ukrainian president, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"There could be a summit under the Normandy format in Paris to take account of the progress that has been achieved," said Macron.

Macron said he applauded Zelensky's desire to end the conflict. "You have a lot of ambition for your country and you have a lot of courage," he told Zelensky.&nbsp;

"There are new elements" after Zelensky came to power, said Macron, adding that any kind of meeting would have to be useful.

Zelensky said that his priority was the "end of the war and the return of the annexed Ukrainian territories" but this could not be achieved by military means.

"The only key to peace is diplomatic and sanctions pressure, so I ask you to keep it," he told Macron.

The Paris talks came after Zelensky met EU leaders in Brussels this month on his first foreign trip as Ukraine's leader, pressing Europe to step up pressure on Russia to end the war in his country's east.

Macron had hosted both Zelensky and former president Petro Poroshenko, whom he beat in the elections, for unusual separate talks on April 12 just ahead of their electoral run-off.

EU leaders have applauded the conduct of the election and peaceful transfer of power from Poroshenko.&nbsp;

But European capitals are also keeping a close eye on the first steps of Zelensky, a man with no previous political experience, whose fame comes from starring in a hugely popular TV series as a Ukrainian teacher who suddenly becomes president.

His Servant of the People party has the same name as the television series.

Since 2014, some 13,000 people have been killed in the war in the east between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists, which erupted after a popular uprising ousted Ukraine's pro-Kremlin president and Russia annexed Crimea.

Kiev and its Western backers accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border to fan the flames of the conflict. Moscow has denied the claims despite evidence to the contrary.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said it may be possible to hold new peace talks over the conflict in the east of Ukraine as he hosted new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his first official visit to France.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said it may be possible to hold new peace talks over the conflict in the east of Ukraine as he hosted new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his first official visit to France. Macron praised the ambition of Zelensky, a former comic actor who stunned the world to win the presidency earlier this year, to end the five-year conflict. The French president said new summit talks could be possible under the so-called Normandy format grouping himself, the Ukrainian president, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "There could be a summit under the Normandy format in Paris to take account of the progress that has been achieved," said Macron. Macron said he applauded Zelensky's desire to end the conflict. "You have a lot of ambition for your country and you have a lot of courage," he told Zelensky. "There are new elements" after Zelensky came to power, said Macron, adding that any kind of meeting would have to be useful. Zelensky said that his priority was the "end of the war and the return of the annexed Ukrainian territories" but this could not be achieved by military means. "The only key to peace is diplomatic and sanctions pressure, so I ask you to keep it," he told Macron. The Paris talks came after Zelensky met EU leaders in Brussels this month on his first foreign trip as Ukraine's leader, pressing Europe to step up pressure on Russia to end the war in his country's east. Macron had hosted both Zelensky and former president Petro Poroshenko, whom he beat in the elections, for unusual separate talks on April 12 just ahead of their electoral run-off. EU leaders have applauded the conduct of the election and peaceful transfer of power from Poroshenko. But European capitals are also keeping a close eye on the first steps of Zelensky, a man with no previous political experience, whose fame comes from starring in a hugely popular TV series as a Ukrainian teacher who suddenly becomes president. His Servant of the People party has the same name as the television series. Since 2014, some 13,000 people have been killed in the war in the east between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists, which erupted after a popular uprising ousted Ukraine's pro-Kremlin president and Russia annexed Crimea. Kiev and its Western backers accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border to fan the flames of the conflict. Moscow has denied the claims despite evidence to the contrary.

Emmanuel Macron says new Ukraine peace talks possible under Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday defended his position at the Constitutional Court, which is set to rule on the legality of his decision to dissolve parliament and call for early elections.

Zelensky was elected on a wave of popular support amid disillusionment with predecessor Petro Poroshenko. But the former comedian and political novice have struggled to work with lawmakers largely hostile to him.

He announced his intention to dissolve parliament in his inaugural speech on May 21 and signed a decree to this effect shortly afterwards.

As some political analysts called the move unconstitutional, several MPs appealed to the Constitutional Court to decide whether it was legal.

The tribunal has to make its decision by June 29, Zelensky's team said.

"Our legal position is indisputable and impeccable," Zelensky told the court.

"I think you will make a fair decision, which will not make us ashamed."

Ukrainians have "no confidence" in parliament, he added.

Current lawmakers have defied Zelensky by throwing out all the bills he has proposed.

They consider him and his team "upstarts", a senior official from the president's entourage recently said on condition of anonymity.

By convening early elections for July 21, Zelensky is seeking to take advantage of his overwhelming 73 per cent victory in the second round of presidential polls in April.

Elections had been scheduled for October.

Zelensky's Servant of the People party could win more than a third of the vote, according to opinion polls.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday defended his position at the Constitutional Court, which is set to rule on the legality of his decision to dissolve parliament and call for early elections.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday defended his position at the Constitutional Court, which is set to rule on the legality of his decision to dissolve parliament and call for early elections. Zelensky was elected on a wave of popular support amid disillusionment with predecessor Petro Poroshenko. But the former comedian and political novice have struggled to work with lawmakers largely hostile to him. He announced his intention to dissolve parliament in his inaugural speech on May 21 and signed a decree to this effect shortly afterwards. As some political analysts called the move unconstitutional, several MPs appealed to the Constitutional Court to decide whether it was legal. The tribunal has to make its decision by June 29, Zelensky's team said. "Our legal position is indisputable and impeccable," Zelensky told the court. "I think you will make a fair decision, which will not make us ashamed." Ukrainians have "no confidence" in parliament, he added. Current lawmakers have defied Zelensky by throwing out all the bills he has proposed. They consider him and his team "upstarts", a senior official from the president's entourage recently said on condition of anonymity. By convening early elections for July 21, Zelensky is seeking to take advantage of his overwhelming 73 per cent victory in the second round of presidential polls in April. Elections had been scheduled for October. Zelensky's Servant of the People party could win more than a third of the vote, according to opinion polls.

Ukraine's Zelensky defends parliament dissolution in court

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky may be a talented actor but his former television role as a fictional president does not automatically give him the skills to be a real one.

"I don't know this person, I hope we meet some day," Putin said at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg when asked why he did not congratulate Zelensky on his inauguration day in May.&nbsp;

"It seems that he is a good specialist in his field, the field he worked before, a good actor," he said.

"But it's one thing to play somebody, and another to be somebody."

A political novice, Zelensky was a professional comedian before running as president and was best known for his role in the series "Servant of the People," where he plays a teacher who is unexpectedly elected head of state.

"To act, you need talent," Putin said in his first detailed comments on Zelensky since his inauguration.&nbsp;

"But to tend to state affairs you need other skills, a certain experience, knowledge. You need to see problems and find tools to solve them."

Putin insisted he was not saying that Zelensky "does not have these traits... but he has not proven himself in any way".

Zelensky was elected in April, taking over from former leader Petro Poroshenko, who led Ukraine after the previous pro-Moscow president was toppled in course of mass protests in 2014.

Zelensky campaigned on a ticket for much-needed reforms but many say he is compromised by ties to tycoon Igor Kolomoisky.

Putin said that Zelensky's rhetoric on Russia has been contradictory.

"He said one thing during the campaign and another thing after the election. We have to wait and see."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky may be a talented actor but his former television role as a fictional president does not automatically give him the skills to be a real one.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky may be a talented actor but his former television role as a fictional president does not automatically give him the skills to be a real one. "I don't know this person, I hope we meet some day," Putin said at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg when asked why he did not congratulate Zelensky on his inauguration day in May. "It seems that he is a good specialist in his field, the field he worked before, a good actor," he said. "But it's one thing to play somebody, and another to be somebody." A political novice, Zelensky was a professional comedian before running as president and was best known for his role in the series "Servant of the People," where he plays a teacher who is unexpectedly elected head of state. "To act, you need talent," Putin said in his first detailed comments on Zelensky since his inauguration. "But to tend to state affairs you need other skills, a certain experience, knowledge. You need to see problems and find tools to solve them." Putin insisted he was not saying that Zelensky "does not have these traits... but he has not proven himself in any way". Zelensky was elected in April, taking over from former leader Petro Poroshenko, who led Ukraine after the previous pro-Moscow president was toppled in course of mass protests in 2014. Zelensky campaigned on a ticket for much-needed reforms but many say he is compromised by ties to tycoon Igor Kolomoisky. Putin said that Zelensky's rhetoric on Russia has been contradictory. "He said one thing during the campaign and another thing after the election. We have to wait and see."

Vladimir Putin says acting talent may not help Ukraine's new leader

Ukrainian President Volodymyr <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-failing-to-stop-terrorism-224299">Zelensky accused Russia</a> on Friday of violating peace agreements and vowed a tough response after two soldiers were killed in the war-torn east.

The two servicemen died as a result of artillery shelling near the village of Novoluganske, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) northeast of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-volodymyr-zelensky-visits-rebel-front-line-222119">main separatist stronghold of Donetsk</a>, Zelensky's office said in a statement.&nbsp;

The use of heavy weaponry is banned under the terms of a peace deal.

Another eight Ukrainian soldiers were injured.

Zelensky, a former comedian who crushed predecessor Petro Poroshenko in April's election, claimed that the new flare-up meant Russia was losing its grip on separatists, who Kiev says receive military support from Moscow.

"An egregious violation of the Minsk agreements - the use of artillery -- indicates at least a partial loss of control over mercenaries," Zelensky said in a statement.

He called the attack a new attempt to torpedo the latest round of peace talks that resumed in the Belarusian capital Minsk on Wednesday.

"Ukraine's armed forces will deliver a tough response in accordance with the situation -- whoever it was who gave the order," Zelensky said.&nbsp;

Just hours before the beginning of the talks on Wednesday, the Ukrainian army said three Ukrainian soldiers had been killed, accusing separatists of using heavy weaponry banned by the peace plan.

It was the deadliest day in the conflict since Zelensky took office last month.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Zelensky's spokeswoman Yulia Mendel said the new administration had put together new proposals on how to end the conflict that has claimed some 13,000 lives since 2014.

She suggested the new "roadmap" might be unveiled at a meeting of negotiators in Minsk on June 19.

Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of fuelling the conflict and sending weapons to the insurgents, charges Moscow denies despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia on Friday of violating peace agreements and vowed a tough response after two soldiers were killed in the war-torn east.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia on Friday of violating peace agreements and vowed a tough response after two soldiers were killed in the war-torn east. The two servicemen died as a result of artillery shelling near the village of Novoluganske, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) northeast of the main separatist stronghold of Donetsk, Zelensky's office said in a statement. The use of heavy weaponry is banned under the terms of a peace deal. Another eight Ukrainian soldiers were injured. Zelensky, a former comedian who crushed predecessor Petro Poroshenko in April's election, claimed that the new flare-up meant Russia was losing its grip on separatists, who Kiev says receive military support from Moscow. "An egregious violation of the Minsk agreements - the use of artillery -- indicates at least a partial loss of control over mercenaries," Zelensky said in a statement. He called the attack a new attempt to torpedo the latest round of peace talks that resumed in the Belarusian capital Minsk on Wednesday. "Ukraine's armed forces will deliver a tough response in accordance with the situation -- whoever it was who gave the order," Zelensky said. Just hours before the beginning of the talks on Wednesday, the Ukrainian army said three Ukrainian soldiers had been killed, accusing separatists of using heavy weaponry banned by the peace plan. It was the deadliest day in the conflict since Zelensky took office last month. On Thursday, Zelensky's spokeswoman Yulia Mendel said the new administration had put together new proposals on how to end the conflict that has claimed some 13,000 lives since 2014. She suggested the new "roadmap" might be unveiled at a meeting of negotiators in Minsk on June 19. Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of fuelling the conflict and sending weapons to the insurgents, charges Moscow denies despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Ukraine President Zelensky vows 'tough response' as two soldiers killed in Donetsk

Just a week after taking office, Ukraine's new president Volodymyr Zelensky made his first visit Monday to the front line of fighting against Russian-backed rebels in the east of the country, his press office said.

Zelensky, who was an actor and comedian before being elected as leader, "examined Ukraine's military positions at Stanytsya Luganska and Shchastya," the president's office said in a statement, referring to two sites in the self-proclaimed republic of Lugansk, which broke away from Kiev in 2014 and is run by Moscow-backed rebels.

"The closest positions to the rebels were just 400 metres (1,300 feet) away," it said.

On the pictures released by his office, Zelensky can be seen in civilian garb but wearing a military helmet and khaki-coloured bullet-proof vest.

He is pictured in a shelter or marching with soldiers through fields.

Experiencing at first hand the conditions in which the soldiers were living, Zelensky "noted the necessity of improving them," the president's office said.

The 41-year-old comedian without any political experience was elected as Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president in April in a Ulandslide victory over the incumbent Petro Poroshenko with a campaign capitalising on widespread discontent with the political establishment.

During his campaign, Zelensky's detractors questioned his ability to run a country that has been at war with Russia for five years and in which 13,000 people have been killed.

While he is prepared to negotiate with the Kremlin, Zelensky wants to regain the territories currently under rebel control.

Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of providing weapons to the rebels, charges which Moscow denies.

Just a week after taking office, Ukraine's new president Volodymyr Zelensky made his first visit Monday to the front line of fighting against Russian-backed rebels in the east of the country, his press office said.

Just a week after taking office, Ukraine's new president Volodymyr Zelensky made his first visit Monday to the front line of fighting against Russian-backed rebels in the east of the country, his press office said. Zelensky, who was an actor and comedian before being elected as leader, "examined Ukraine's military positions at Stanytsya Luganska and Shchastya," the president's office said in a statement, referring to two sites in the self-proclaimed republic of Lugansk, which broke away from Kiev in 2014 and is run by Moscow-backed rebels. "The closest positions to the rebels were just 400 metres (1,300 feet) away," it said. On the pictures released by his office, Zelensky can be seen in civilian garb but wearing a military helmet and khaki-coloured bullet-proof vest. He is pictured in a shelter or marching with soldiers through fields. Experiencing at first hand the conditions in which the soldiers were living, Zelensky "noted the necessity of improving them," the president's office said. The 41-year-old comedian without any political experience was elected as Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president in April in a Ulandslide victory over the incumbent Petro Poroshenko with a campaign capitalising on widespread discontent with the political establishment. During his campaign, Zelensky's detractors questioned his ability to run a country that has been at war with Russia for five years and in which 13,000 people have been killed. While he is prepared to negotiate with the Kremlin, Zelensky wants to regain the territories currently under rebel control. Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of providing weapons to the rebels, charges which Moscow denies.

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky visits rebel front line

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky called snap parliamentary polls in his inaugural speech Monday and said his top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-president-zelensky-says-ceasefire-first-priority-220138">priority is ending the conflict with Russia-backed separatists</a> in the country's east.

The 41-year-old comedian was sworn in as Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president a month after scoring a landslide victory over Petro Poroshenko with a campaign capitalising on widespread public discontent with the political establishment.

Zelensky -- whose only previous political experience is appearing as president in a popular TV show -- announced he would dissolve parliament in order to call early elections, originally scheduled for October.

"People must come to power who will serve the public," Zelensky said, after wrangling with hostile lawmakers whom he calls "petty crooks".

Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman resigned in protest shortly afterwards, saying Zelensky had rejected his proposals and "chose another path."

The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament is uncertain but it is still likely to go ahead, political analysts said.

"There are no mechanisms or instruments to stop this decision," said analyst Mykola Davydchuk.

'Ready for dialogue'

Zelensky said in his speech in Kiev that "our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," referring to the eastern separatist-controlled region, prompting a round of applause.

"We didn't start this war but it is up to us to end it," he said.

"We are ready for dialogue," he added, urging the handover of Ukrainian prisoners.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded that an exchange should include all prisoners from both sides, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

Zelensky said that Ukraine's "next challenge is the return of the lost territories," referring to Moscow-annexed Crimea and the separatists' self-proclaimed republics.

Switching to Russian in an emotive speech, he stressed that Ukraine must regain the trust of Russian-speaking people living there, who "are not strangers, they are ours, Ukrainians."

Zelensky also called for the sacking of the head of the state security service, prosecutor-general and defence minister loyal to his predecessor, although this has to be approved by parliament.

Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak and the head of the SBU security service Vasyl Grytsak tendered their resignations on Monday. Foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin stepped aside last week.

High fives and selfies

Zelensky took a non-traditional route to his inauguration -- walking from his nearby home, after saying he wanted a less pompous ceremony.&nbsp;

Dressed in a dark suit, he exchanged high fives with supporters waiting outside, took selfies with them and even jumped up to plant a kiss on a supporter's forehead.

In his speech, Zelensky referred to his background as a comedian. "In my life, I've tried to do all I could to make Ukrainians smile," he said.&nbsp;

"In the next five years I'll do all I can so that Ukrainians don't cry."

Uniquely for a first-time president, Zelensky has played the role before -- for laughs. He starred as a history teacher who was unexpectedly elected president in a television comedy series, "Servant of the People".

His newly-formed party is named "Servant of the People".

When the actor and comedian announced his candidacy in December, few took it seriously, but after a campaign largely waged through social media, he won more than 73 percent in the second round on April 21 against Poroshenko.

Poroshenko led Ukraine for five years, grappling with the fallout from Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation and the deadly conflict in the east.

Although he launched some reforms, he was criticised for failing to improve living standards or effectively fight corruption.

Zelensky has vowed to continue the country's pro-Western course but critics question how he will deal with the enormous challenges of the separatist conflict and ongoing economic problems.

The separatist authorities have indicated that they could be ready to negotiate with Zelensky.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said President Vladimir Putin has no plans to meet Zelensky and would not be congratulating him on his inauguration.

The Russian president will only "congratulate him on the first successes" in resolving the separatist conflict, he said, calling it a "domestic problem" for Ukraine.

Kiev and its allies accuse Moscow of militarily supporting the separatists, which it denies.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Putin ordered an easing of procedures for Ukrainians living in the separatist regions to gain Russian passports, a move that caused uproar in Kiev.&nbsp;

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky called snap parliamentary polls in his inaugural speech Monday and said his top priority is ending the conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the country's east.

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky called snap parliamentary polls in his inaugural speech Monday and said his top priority is ending the conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the country's east. The 41-year-old comedian was sworn in as Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president a month after scoring a landslide victory over Petro Poroshenko with a campaign capitalising on widespread public discontent with the political establishment. Zelensky -- whose only previous political experience is appearing as president in a popular TV show -- announced he would dissolve parliament in order to call early elections, originally scheduled for October. "People must come to power who will serve the public," Zelensky said, after wrangling with hostile lawmakers whom he calls "petty crooks". Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman resigned in protest shortly afterwards, saying Zelensky had rejected his proposals and "chose another path." The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament is uncertain but it is still likely to go ahead, political analysts said. "There are no mechanisms or instruments to stop this decision," said analyst Mykola Davydchuk. 'Ready for dialogue' Zelensky said in his speech in Kiev that "our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," referring to the eastern separatist-controlled region, prompting a round of applause. "We didn't start this war but it is up to us to end it," he said. "We are ready for dialogue," he added, urging the handover of Ukrainian prisoners. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded that an exchange should include all prisoners from both sides, RIA Novosti news agency reported. Zelensky said that Ukraine's "next challenge is the return of the lost territories," referring to Moscow-annexed Crimea and the separatists' self-proclaimed republics. Switching to Russian in an emotive speech, he stressed that Ukraine must regain the trust of Russian-speaking people living there, who "are not strangers, they are ours, Ukrainians." Zelensky also called for the sacking of the head of the state security service, prosecutor-general and defence minister loyal to his predecessor, although this has to be approved by parliament. Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak and the head of the SBU security service Vasyl Grytsak tendered their resignations on Monday. Foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin stepped aside last week. High fives and selfies Zelensky took a non-traditional route to his inauguration -- walking from his nearby home, after saying he wanted a less pompous ceremony. Dressed in a dark suit, he exchanged high fives with supporters waiting outside, took selfies with them and even jumped up to plant a kiss on a supporter's forehead. In his speech, Zelensky referred to his background as a comedian. "In my life, I've tried to do all I could to make Ukrainians smile," he said. "In the next five years I'll do all I can so that Ukrainians don't cry." Uniquely for a first-time president, Zelensky has played the role before -- for laughs. He starred as a history teacher who was unexpectedly elected president in a television comedy series, "Servant of the People". His newly-formed party is named "Servant of the People". When the actor and comedian announced his candidacy in December, few took it seriously, but after a campaign largely waged through social media, he won more than 73 percent in the second round on April 21 against Poroshenko. Poroshenko led Ukraine for five years, grappling with the fallout from Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation and the deadly conflict in the east. Although he launched some reforms, he was criticised for failing to improve living standards or effectively fight corruption. Zelensky has vowed to continue the country's pro-Western course but critics question how he will deal with the enormous challenges of the separatist conflict and ongoing economic problems. The separatist authorities have indicated that they could be ready to negotiate with Zelensky. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said President Vladimir Putin has no plans to meet Zelensky and would not be congratulating him on his inauguration. The Russian president will only "congratulate him on the first successes" in resolving the separatist conflict, he said, calling it a "domestic problem" for Ukraine. Kiev and its allies accuse Moscow of militarily supporting the separatists, which it denies. Earlier this month, Putin ordered an easing of procedures for Ukrainians living in the separatist regions to gain Russian passports, a move that caused uproar in Kiev.

Ukraine's new president Zelensky calls snap elections

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/comedian-volodymyr-zelensky-takes-office-as-ukraines-president-220079">Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> on Monday used his inaugural speech to announce his first priority was ending the five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east of the country that has claimed over 13,000 lives.

A month after scoring a landslide victory against incumbent Petro Poroshenko amid widespread public discontent with the political establishment, the 41-year-old comedian has become Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president.&nbsp;

"Our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," Zelensky said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev, referring to the eastern region, prompting a round of applause.

"We didn't start this war but it is up to us to end it," he said.

He reiterated Ukraine does not recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea nor the separatists' self-proclaimed republics in the industrial east.

"Crimea and Donbass are Ukrainian lands," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine had lost not just territory but the hearts and minds of people living there, who "are not strangers, they are ours, Ukrainians."

He also announced that he would dissolve parliament, in order to call early parliamentary elections, which had originally been scheduled for October.

"People must come to power who will serve the public," Zelensky said after wrangling with hostile lawmakers whom he has called "petty crooks".

Critics had questioned whether Zelensky would be able to govern without a parliamentary majority. Even setting a date for his inauguration took weeks of negotiations with lawmakers.&nbsp;

In a hard-hitting speech, Zelensky called for the sacking of the head of the state security service, prosecutor-general and defence minister -- which has to be approved by parliament.

Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak and the head of the SBU security service Vasyl Grytsak swiftly tendered their resignations.

High fives outside parliament&nbsp;

Zelensky took a non-traditional route to his inauguration -- walking on foot from his home nearby, after saying he wanted a less pompous ceremony.&nbsp;

Dressed in a dark suit, he exchanged high fives with supporters waiting outside, took selfies with them and even jumped up planting a kiss on a supporter's forehead.

In his speech, Zelensky referred to his background as a comedian. "In my life, I've tried to do all I could to make Ukrainians smile," he said.&nbsp;

"In the next five years, I'll do all I can so that Ukrainians don't cry."The parliament's speaker Andriy Parubiy closed the inauguration ceremony with words: "Thanks to everyone, this has been fun."

Uniquely for a first-time president, Zelensky has played the role before -- for laughs. He starred as a history teacher who was unexpectedly elected president in a television comedy series, "Servant of the People".

When the actor and comedian announced his candidacy on December 31, few took it seriously, but after an unprecedented campaign largely waged through social media, he won more than 73 per cent in the second round on April 21, trouncing Poroshenko.

Poroshenko led Ukraine for five years, overseeing the fallout over the Crimea annexation and the conflict in the east.

Though he launched some reforms, he was criticised for failing to improve living standards or effectively fight corruption.

Challenges Ahead&nbsp;

Zelensky has vowed to continue the country's pro-Western course but his critics question how he will deal with the enormous challenges of the separatist conflict and ongoing economic problems.

The separatist authorities have indicated that they could be ready to negotiate with Zelensky.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans to meet with Zelensky and would not be congratulating him on taking up the post.

The Russian president will instead "congratulate him on the first successes" in regulating the conflict, he said, calling it a "domestic problem" for Ukraine.

Moscow has been accused of militarily supporting the separatists, and Putin this month ordered an easing of procedures for Ukrainians living in the eastern separatist regions to gain Russian citizenship, a challenge to the new Ukrainian leader.&nbsp;

Ukraine's allies have given Zelensky a warm welcome, but the new president will immediately have to deal with a number of sensitive international issues.

In a sign of possible tensions between Kiev and Washington, Ukraine's key ally against Moscow, US President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani this month cancelled a visit to Kiev, saying Zelensky is "surrounded by people who are enemies of the (US) president."

The political situation prompted one pro-Western lawmaker, Serguiy Vysotsky, to warn Zelensky that the inauguration "isn't the end of your adventures -- it's just the beginning".

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday used his inaugural speech to announce his first priority was ending the five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east of the country that has claimed over 13,000 lives.

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday used his inaugural speech to announce his first priority was ending the five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east of the country that has claimed over 13,000 lives. A month after scoring a landslide victory against incumbent Petro Poroshenko amid widespread public discontent with the political establishment, the 41-year-old comedian has become Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president. "Our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," Zelensky said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev, referring to the eastern region, prompting a round of applause. "We didn't start this war but it is up to us to end it," he said. He reiterated Ukraine does not recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea nor the separatists' self-proclaimed republics in the industrial east. "Crimea and Donbass are Ukrainian lands," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine had lost not just territory but the hearts and minds of people living there, who "are not strangers, they are ours, Ukrainians." He also announced that he would dissolve parliament, in order to call early parliamentary elections, which had originally been scheduled for October. "People must come to power who will serve the public," Zelensky said after wrangling with hostile lawmakers whom he has called "petty crooks". Critics had questioned whether Zelensky would be able to govern without a parliamentary majority. Even setting a date for his inauguration took weeks of negotiations with lawmakers. In a hard-hitting speech, Zelensky called for the sacking of the head of the state security service, prosecutor-general and defence minister -- which has to be approved by parliament. Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak and the head of the SBU security service Vasyl Grytsak swiftly tendered their resignations. High fives outside parliament Zelensky took a non-traditional route to his inauguration -- walking on foot from his home nearby, after saying he wanted a less pompous ceremony. Dressed in a dark suit, he exchanged high fives with supporters waiting outside, took selfies with them and even jumped up planting a kiss on a supporter's forehead. In his speech, Zelensky referred to his background as a comedian. "In my life, I've tried to do all I could to make Ukrainians smile," he said. "In the next five years, I'll do all I can so that Ukrainians don't cry."The parliament's speaker Andriy Parubiy closed the inauguration ceremony with words: "Thanks to everyone, this has been fun." Uniquely for a first-time president, Zelensky has played the role before -- for laughs. He starred as a history teacher who was unexpectedly elected president in a television comedy series, "Servant of the People". When the actor and comedian announced his candidacy on December 31, few took it seriously, but after an unprecedented campaign largely waged through social media, he won more than 73 per cent in the second round on April 21, trouncing Poroshenko. Poroshenko led Ukraine for five years, overseeing the fallout over the Crimea annexation and the conflict in the east. Though he launched some reforms, he was criticised for failing to improve living standards or effectively fight corruption. Challenges Ahead Zelensky has vowed to continue the country's pro-Western course but his critics question how he will deal with the enormous challenges of the separatist conflict and ongoing economic problems. The separatist authorities have indicated that they could be ready to negotiate with Zelensky. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans to meet with Zelensky and would not be congratulating him on taking up the post. The Russian president will instead "congratulate him on the first successes" in regulating the conflict, he said, calling it a "domestic problem" for Ukraine. Moscow has been accused of militarily supporting the separatists, and Putin this month ordered an easing of procedures for Ukrainians living in the eastern separatist regions to gain Russian citizenship, a challenge to the new Ukrainian leader. Ukraine's allies have given Zelensky a warm welcome, but the new president will immediately have to deal with a number of sensitive international issues. In a sign of possible tensions between Kiev and Washington, Ukraine's key ally against Moscow, US President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani this month cancelled a visit to Kiev, saying Zelensky is "surrounded by people who are enemies of the (US) president." The political situation prompted one pro-Western lawmaker, Serguiy Vysotsky, to warn Zelensky that the inauguration "isn't the end of your adventures -- it's just the beginning".

Ukraine's new president Zelensky says ceasefire first priority

Volodymyr Zelensky took office as Ukraine's president on Monday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-election-poroshenko-concedes-defeat-congratulates-zelensky-212435">winning a landslide election victory</a>.

"I pledge to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the newly inaugurated president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev.

Zelensky also said that his first task is to end the conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the country's east.

"Our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," the newly inaugurated president said during a ceremony in parliament in Kiev, referring to the eastern region.

Zelensky announced the dissolution of parliament in his inaugural speech in order to hold early elections.

"I dissolve the Verkhovna Rada of the eighth convocation," the newly sworn-in president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev.&nbsp;

The next parliamentary polls had been scheduled for October.&nbsp;

Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky won a landslide victory in Ukraine's presidential election on Sunday. He told his supporters he would not let them down and encouraged other-post Soviet countries to bring new leaders to power.

The 41-year-old has been elected president of Ukraine twice -- first as a character in the popular TV show "Servant of the People", now for real.

Volodymyr Zelensky took office as Ukraine's president on Monday after winning a landslide election victory. "I pledge to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the newly inaugurated president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev.

Volodymyr Zelensky took office as Ukraine's president on Monday after winning a landslide election victory. "I pledge to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the newly inaugurated president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev. Zelensky also said that his first task is to end the conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the country's east. "Our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," the newly inaugurated president said during a ceremony in parliament in Kiev, referring to the eastern region. Zelensky announced the dissolution of parliament in his inaugural speech in order to hold early elections. "I dissolve the Verkhovna Rada of the eighth convocation," the newly sworn-in president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev. The next parliamentary polls had been scheduled for October. Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky won a landslide victory in Ukraine's presidential election on Sunday. He told his supporters he would not let them down and encouraged other-post Soviet countries to bring new leaders to power. The 41-year-old has been elected president of Ukraine twice -- first as a character in the popular TV show "Servant of the People", now for real.

Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky takes office as Ukraine's president

Ukraine's top diplomat resigned on Friday as comedian Volodymyr Zelensky gears up to be sworn in as the country's new president next week.

"I have just written a resignation letter," Pavlo Klimkin said in a video address posted on Facebook.

The 51-year-old said he would submit it to parliament and Zelensky on Monday when the new president is inaugurated.

Zelensky "has a right to have his own foreign policy team and to build his foreign policy strategy," the pro-Western official said, adding he would take part in this year's parliamentary polls.

Zelensky, the 41-year-old comedy actor with no political experience, crushed the incumbent Petro Poroshenko in a runoff on April 21, taking more than 73 per cent of the vote.

He has vowed to press ahead with Ukraine's pro-Western course but his political programme is vague and it is still not clear who will be appointed to top posts.

By law, the Ukrainian president picks candidates to run the foreign and defence ministries who then have to be approved by parliament.

The parliamentary coalition chooses the prime minister.

President-elect Zelensky has so far struggled to impose his will over a free-wheeling parliament.

He has indicated he would consider dissolving the legislature and holding snap elections before the regular vote set for October.

But on Friday, the country's coalition collapsed after a pro-Western party, the People's Front, pulled out.&nbsp;

The move makes it harder for the new leader to call early elections.

Klimkin's successor will have to tackle a raging crisis in ties with Russia during a sensitive time, with the West juggling numerous other crises like Venezuela and Iran.

Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014 and backed separatist rebels who carved out two unrecognised breakaway regions in Ukraine's east in a conflict that has claimed some 13,000 lives.

Ukraine's top diplomat resigned on Friday as comedian Volodymyr Zelensky gears up to be sworn in as the country's new president next week. "I have just written a resignation letter," Pavlo Klimkin said in a video address posted on Facebook.

Ukraine's top diplomat resigned on Friday as comedian Volodymyr Zelensky gears up to be sworn in as the country's new president next week. "I have just written a resignation letter," Pavlo Klimkin said in a video address posted on Facebook. The 51-year-old said he would submit it to parliament and Zelensky on Monday when the new president is inaugurated. Zelensky "has a right to have his own foreign policy team and to build his foreign policy strategy," the pro-Western official said, adding he would take part in this year's parliamentary polls. Zelensky, the 41-year-old comedy actor with no political experience, crushed the incumbent Petro Poroshenko in a runoff on April 21, taking more than 73 per cent of the vote. He has vowed to press ahead with Ukraine's pro-Western course but his political programme is vague and it is still not clear who will be appointed to top posts. By law, the Ukrainian president picks candidates to run the foreign and defence ministries who then have to be approved by parliament. The parliamentary coalition chooses the prime minister. President-elect Zelensky has so far struggled to impose his will over a free-wheeling parliament. He has indicated he would consider dissolving the legislature and holding snap elections before the regular vote set for October. But on Friday, the country's coalition collapsed after a pro-Western party, the People's Front, pulled out. The move makes it harder for the new leader to call early elections. Klimkin's successor will have to tackle a raging crisis in ties with Russia during a sensitive time, with the West juggling numerous other crises like Venezuela and Iran. Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014 and backed separatist rebels who carved out two unrecognised breakaway regions in Ukraine's east in a conflict that has claimed some 13,000 lives.

Ukraine foreign Minister quits as Zelensky set to take office

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-defies-anti-semitic-past-with-comedian-volodymyr-zelensky-victory-212989&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigmdP7_5_iAhUMLo8KHX6QAv8QFjAIegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3mY3yheeNJH0x-v4W1qcSS">Ukraine's</a> parliament voted Thursday to hold on Monday the inauguration of the newly elected president, comedian <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-says-russians-and-ukrainians-would-benefit-from-shared-citizenship-214488&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigmdP7_5_iAhUMLo8KHX6QAv8QFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw201nURbikAwWZ9_VL3UMt7">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> after he wrangled with lawmakers over the date.

Zelensky had said he wanted to hold the inauguration on Sunday, a controversial move since this is a day of mourning for victims of Stalin-era repressions in the former-Soviet country.

He repeatedly accused MPs of deliberately postponing the ceremony, but lawmakers voted in favour of holding the inauguration on Monday with 315 backing the date and two opposing.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/from-comic-to-commander-in-chief-challenges-for-new-ukraine-leader-212488&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiy3LOXgKDiAhWi_XMBHbCkBwg4ChAWMAF6BAgQEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0h-NwlJQE4MQMB9_aHAXIn">The 41-year-old comedy actor</a>, whose only previous experience in politics was playing the president in a TV series, crushed the incumbent Petro Poroshenko in a runoff vote held on April 21, in which he took 73.2 per cent of the vote.

Zelensky has promised to eradicate Ukraine's widespread corruption and end the war with Russia-backed separatists in the east of the country, accusing the outgoing president of doing nothing to improve living standards and reduce poverty.

Ukraine's parliament voted Thursday to hold on Monday the inauguration of the newly elected president, comedian Volodymyr Zelensky after he wrangled with lawmakers over the date.

Ukraine's parliament voted Thursday to hold on Monday the inauguration of the newly elected president, comedian Volodymyr Zelensky after he wrangled with lawmakers over the date. Zelensky had said he wanted to hold the inauguration on Sunday, a controversial move since this is a day of mourning for victims of Stalin-era repressions in the former-Soviet country. He repeatedly accused MPs of deliberately postponing the ceremony, but lawmakers voted in favour of holding the inauguration on Monday with 315 backing the date and two opposing. The 41-year-old comedy actor, whose only previous experience in politics was playing the president in a TV series, crushed the incumbent Petro Poroshenko in a runoff vote held on April 21, in which he took 73.2 per cent of the vote. Zelensky has promised to eradicate Ukraine's widespread corruption and end the war with Russia-backed separatists in the east of the country, accusing the outgoing president of doing nothing to improve living standards and reduce poverty.

Ukraine to hold Volodymyr Zelensky's presidential inauguration on Monday

President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed an offer by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-thinking-of-simplifying-nationality-process-for-all-ukraine-vladimir-putin-213888">Vladimir Putin to provide passports to Ukrainians</a>, and pledged instead to grant citizenship to Russians who "suffer" under the Kremlin's rule.&nbsp;

The Russian president on Saturday said Moscow was considering plans to make it easier for all Ukrainians to obtain Russian citizenship, after it earlier moved to grant passports in the country's separatist east.&nbsp;

Kiev has been fighting Moscow-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine since 2014 in a war that has killed 13,000.

Zelensky, a comedian who won Ukraine's presidential election last week, responded to Putin's offer by releasing a statement on Facebook late on Saturday.

"We know perfectly well what a Russian passport provides," he said, listing "the right to be arrested for a peaceful protest" and "the right not to have free and competitive elections."

He pledged instead to "give citizenship to representatives of all nations that suffer from authoritarian and corrupt regimes.

"But first and foremost to the Russian people who suffer most of all".

He said that one of the differences between Ukraine and Russia is that "we Ukrainians have freedom of speech, freedom of the media and the internet in our country."&nbsp;

A political novice, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West.&nbsp;

Putin has not congratulated Zelensky on his election, but said he is ready to talk with a new Ukrainian leadership and wants to "understand" the actor's position on the conflict.&nbsp;

In his Facebook post, Zelensky warned Russia not to talk with Ukraine "in the language of threats or military or economic pressure."&nbsp;

He previously called for more international sanctions against Moscow in response to Russia providing citizenship to residents of Ukraine's separatist east.&nbsp;

The EU also condemned Moscow's passport scheme, calling it a fresh assault on Ukraine's sovereignty and saying Russia sought to "destabilise" Ukraine after its presidential election.&nbsp;

Putin's decree last week allows people living in Ukraine's unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk breakaway republics to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one.

Zelensky is due to take office by early June. &nbsp;

President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed an offer by Vladimir Putin to provide passports to Ukrainians, and pledged instead to grant citizenship to Russians who "suffer" under the Kremlin's rule.

President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed an offer by Vladimir Putin to provide passports to Ukrainians, and pledged instead to grant citizenship to Russians who "suffer" under the Kremlin's rule. The Russian president on Saturday said Moscow was considering plans to make it easier for all Ukrainians to obtain Russian citizenship, after it earlier moved to grant passports in the country's separatist east. Kiev has been fighting Moscow-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine since 2014 in a war that has killed 13,000. Zelensky, a comedian who won Ukraine's presidential election last week, responded to Putin's offer by releasing a statement on Facebook late on Saturday. "We know perfectly well what a Russian passport provides," he said, listing "the right to be arrested for a peaceful protest" and "the right not to have free and competitive elections." He pledged instead to "give citizenship to representatives of all nations that suffer from authoritarian and corrupt regimes. "But first and foremost to the Russian people who suffer most of all". He said that one of the differences between Ukraine and Russia is that "we Ukrainians have freedom of speech, freedom of the media and the internet in our country." A political novice, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West. Putin has not congratulated Zelensky on his election, but said he is ready to talk with a new Ukrainian leadership and wants to "understand" the actor's position on the conflict. In his Facebook post, Zelensky warned Russia not to talk with Ukraine "in the language of threats or military or economic pressure." He previously called for more international sanctions against Moscow in response to Russia providing citizenship to residents of Ukraine's separatist east. The EU also condemned Moscow's passport scheme, calling it a fresh assault on Ukraine's sovereignty and saying Russia sought to "destabilise" Ukraine after its presidential election. Putin's decree last week allows people living in Ukraine's unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk breakaway republics to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one. Zelensky is due to take office by early June.

Ukraine President-elect Zelenskiy laughs off Putin's plans to give Russian passports to Ukrainians

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russians and Ukrainians would only benefit from sharing common citizenship, the Interfax news agency reported.

Putin said on Saturday Moscow was considering offering all Ukrainian citizens fast-tracked Russian passports, a move that angered some politicians in Ukraine which has been at war with pro-Russian separatists since 2014.

Putin has already signed an order to simplify the procedure for obtaining a Russian passport for residents of separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine, prompting calls from Kiev for more international sanctions.

Kiev has been fighting Moscow-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine since 2014 in a war that has killed 13,000.

President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky, a comedian who won Ukraine's presidential election last week, responded to Putin's offer by releasing a statement on Facebook late on Saturday.

"We know perfectly well what a Russian passport provides," he said, listing "the right to be arrested for a peaceful protest" and "the right not to have free and competitive elections."

He pledged instead to "give citizenship to representatives of all nations that suffer from authoritarian and corrupt regimes.

"But first and foremost to the Russian people who suffer most of all".

He said that one of the differences between Ukraine and Russia is that "we Ukrainians have freedom of speech, freedom of the media and the internet in our country."&nbsp;

A political novice, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West.&nbsp;

Putin has not congratulated Zelensky on his election but said he is ready to talk with new Ukrainian leadership and wants to "understand" the actor's position on the conflict.&nbsp;

In his Facebook post, Zelensky warned Russia not to talk with Ukraine "in the language of threats or military or economic pressure."&nbsp;

He previously called for more international sanctions against Moscow in response to Russia providing citizenship to residents of Ukraine's separatist east.&nbsp;

The EU also condemned Moscow's passport scheme, calling it a fresh assault on Ukraine's sovereignty and saying Russia sought to "destabilise" Ukraine after its presidential election.&nbsp;

Putin's decree last week allows people living in Ukraine's unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk breakaway republics to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one.

Zelensky is due to take office by early June. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russians and Ukrainians would only benefit from sharing common citizenship, the Interfax news agency reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russians and Ukrainians would only benefit from sharing common citizenship, the Interfax news agency reported. Putin said on Saturday Moscow was considering offering all Ukrainian citizens fast-tracked Russian passports, a move that angered some politicians in Ukraine which has been at war with pro-Russian separatists since 2014. Putin has already signed an order to simplify the procedure for obtaining a Russian passport for residents of separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine, prompting calls from Kiev for more international sanctions. Kiev has been fighting Moscow-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine since 2014 in a war that has killed 13,000. President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky, a comedian who won Ukraine's presidential election last week, responded to Putin's offer by releasing a statement on Facebook late on Saturday. "We know perfectly well what a Russian passport provides," he said, listing "the right to be arrested for a peaceful protest" and "the right not to have free and competitive elections." He pledged instead to "give citizenship to representatives of all nations that suffer from authoritarian and corrupt regimes. "But first and foremost to the Russian people who suffer most of all". He said that one of the differences between Ukraine and Russia is that "we Ukrainians have freedom of speech, freedom of the media and the internet in our country." A political novice, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West. Putin has not congratulated Zelensky on his election but said he is ready to talk with new Ukrainian leadership and wants to "understand" the actor's position on the conflict. In his Facebook post, Zelensky warned Russia not to talk with Ukraine "in the language of threats or military or economic pressure." He previously called for more international sanctions against Moscow in response to Russia providing citizenship to residents of Ukraine's separatist east. The EU also condemned Moscow's passport scheme, calling it a fresh assault on Ukraine's sovereignty and saying Russia sought to "destabilise" Ukraine after its presidential election. Putin's decree last week allows people living in Ukraine's unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk breakaway republics to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one. Zelensky is due to take office by early June.

Vladimir Putin says Russians and Ukrainians would benefit from shared citizenship

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday Moscow was "thinking" of making it easier for all Ukrainians to obtain Russian citizenship after the Kremlin moved to grant passports in the country's separatist east, causing uproar in Kiev. &nbsp;

"We are actually thinking about providing citizenship in a simplified order to all citizens of Ukraine, not only residents of the Lugansk and Donetsk republics," Putin told the press during his visit to Beijing, referring to the unrecognised separatist republics governed by Moscow-backed rebels.&nbsp;

This week Putin signed a decree allowing people living in the breakaway regions to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one.&nbsp;

The move came just days after Ukraine elected comedian Volodymyr Zelensky as president. The actor, due to be inaugurated by early June, called for more international sanctions against Russia in response.

The European Union also condemned the move, calling it a fresh assault on Ukraine's sovereignty.&nbsp;

Putin on Saturday said he wanted to "understand" Zelensky's position on the conflict.&nbsp;

He did not exclude talks with the comedian -- a political novice -- with whom he is ready to "have a discussion." &nbsp;

The conflict between the Ukrainian government and breakaway rebels began after Moscow annexed Kiev's Crimea peninsula in 2014. The war has claimed some 13,000 lives.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday Moscow was "thinking" of making it easier for all Ukrainians to obtain Russian citizenship after the Kremlin moved to grant passports in the country's separatist east, causing uproar in Kiev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday Moscow was "thinking" of making it easier for all Ukrainians to obtain Russian citizenship after the Kremlin moved to grant passports in the country's separatist east, causing uproar in Kiev. "We are actually thinking about providing citizenship in a simplified order to all citizens of Ukraine, not only residents of the Lugansk and Donetsk republics," Putin told the press during his visit to Beijing, referring to the unrecognised separatist republics governed by Moscow-backed rebels. This week Putin signed a decree allowing people living in the breakaway regions to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one. The move came just days after Ukraine elected comedian Volodymyr Zelensky as president. The actor, due to be inaugurated by early June, called for more international sanctions against Russia in response. The European Union also condemned the move, calling it a fresh assault on Ukraine's sovereignty. Putin on Saturday said he wanted to "understand" Zelensky's position on the conflict. He did not exclude talks with the comedian -- a political novice -- with whom he is ready to "have a discussion." The conflict between the Ukrainian government and breakaway rebels began after Moscow annexed Kiev's Crimea peninsula in 2014. The war has claimed some 13,000 lives.

Moscow 'thinking' of simplifying nationality process for all Ukraine: Vladimir Putin

Russia on Wednesday made it easier for people living in eastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">Ukraine's separatist territories</a> to obtain Russian passports, drawing swift condemnation from Kiev only three days after it elected a new president.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin signed the decree aimed at residents of the unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk republics that broke away from Kiev in 2014 and are governed by Moscow-backed rebels.

People living in the separatist regions will now be entitled to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-tension-between-russia-and-ukraine-keeps-tourists-away-from-crimea-181930">conflict </a>between the Ukrainian government and breakaway rebels began after Moscow annexed Kiev's Crimea peninsula in 2014. The war has claimed some 13,000 lives.&nbsp;

Officials in Kiev slammed the move, saying the timing was aimed to destabilise Ukraine during a period of transition.&nbsp;

The country elected comedian Volodymyr Zelensky as president last weekend.&nbsp;

Due to be inaugurated by early June, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West.&nbsp;

'Knife in Ukraine's back'

Putin said the new law was "purely a humanitarian issue."&nbsp;

"We have no desire to create problems for the new Ukrainian authorities," he said during a meeting with lawmakers in Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;

The Russian leader added that people living in the rebel republics are "completely deprived of any civil rights".&nbsp;

"They cannot move normally, cannot realise their most elementary needs," he said.&nbsp;

According to a copy of the decree published on the Kremlin website, the law aimed to "protect rights" and was guided by "the norms of international law".

But Ukraine's foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin called the decision "the continuation of aggression and interference in our internal affairs."&nbsp;

He urged residents in eastern Ukraine not to take Russian passports.&nbsp;

"Russia has deprived you of the present, and now it is trespassing on your future," he wrote on Twitter. &nbsp;

Iryna Gerashchenko, the deputy speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, said Putin "always uses moments of uncertainty and transition periods to plunge another knife into Ukraine's back."&nbsp;

She said the move is a "gross violation" of peace agreements signed by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany in Minsk in 2015.&nbsp;

These aimed to put an end to the conflict but fighting has continued with no clear end in sight.

Zelensky, whose only previous political experience so far has been limited to playing the role of president in a TV show, won Sunday's vote with a landslide victory.&nbsp;

He has said he wants to "renew relations" with the residents of eastern Ukraine, saying "they are also Ukrainians".

The actor has announced plans to start a "powerful information war to end the conflict."&nbsp;

People living in eastern Ukraine mainly have access to Russian television channels.

On the campaign trail, Russian-speaking Zelensky criticised some of Kiev's anti-Moscow policies while saying he would keep Ukraine on a pro-Western course.&nbsp;

He has also said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea. &nbsp;

Russia's reaction to his win has been mixed, with the Kremlin refusing to congratulate him but others seeing an opportunity to improve ties.&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday made it easier for people living in eastern Ukraine's separatist territories to obtain Russian passports, drawing swift condemnation from Kiev only three days after it elected a new president.

Russia on Wednesday made it easier for people living in eastern Ukraine's separatist territories to obtain Russian passports, drawing swift condemnation from Kiev only three days after it elected a new president. President Vladimir Putin signed the decree aimed at residents of the unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk republics that broke away from Kiev in 2014 and are governed by Moscow-backed rebels. People living in the separatist regions will now be entitled to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one. The conflict between the Ukrainian government and breakaway rebels began after Moscow annexed Kiev's Crimea peninsula in 2014. The war has claimed some 13,000 lives. Officials in Kiev slammed the move, saying the timing was aimed to destabilise Ukraine during a period of transition. The country elected comedian Volodymyr Zelensky as president last weekend. Due to be inaugurated by early June, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West. 'Knife in Ukraine's back' Putin said the new law was "purely a humanitarian issue." "We have no desire to create problems for the new Ukrainian authorities," he said during a meeting with lawmakers in Saint Petersburg. The Russian leader added that people living in the rebel republics are "completely deprived of any civil rights". "They cannot move normally, cannot realise their most elementary needs," he said. According to a copy of the decree published on the Kremlin website, the law aimed to "protect rights" and was guided by "the norms of international law". But Ukraine's foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin called the decision "the continuation of aggression and interference in our internal affairs." He urged residents in eastern Ukraine not to take Russian passports. "Russia has deprived you of the present, and now it is trespassing on your future," he wrote on Twitter. Iryna Gerashchenko, the deputy speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, said Putin "always uses moments of uncertainty and transition periods to plunge another knife into Ukraine's back." She said the move is a "gross violation" of peace agreements signed by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany in Minsk in 2015. These aimed to put an end to the conflict but fighting has continued with no clear end in sight. Zelensky, whose only previous political experience so far has been limited to playing the role of president in a TV show, won Sunday's vote with a landslide victory. He has said he wants to "renew relations" with the residents of eastern Ukraine, saying "they are also Ukrainians". The actor has announced plans to start a "powerful information war to end the conflict." People living in eastern Ukraine mainly have access to Russian television channels. On the campaign trail, Russian-speaking Zelensky criticised some of Kiev's anti-Moscow policies while saying he would keep Ukraine on a pro-Western course. He has also said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea. Russia's reaction to his win has been mixed, with the Kremlin refusing to congratulate him but others seeing an opportunity to improve ties.

Russia eases citizenship rules in east Ukraine

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-election-poroshenko-concedes-defeat-congratulates-zelensky-212435&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiPtpW97-LhAhUq7XMBHU5dDT4QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0vYBzJDZpZwkulf53pbLe4">Ukraine's election </a>has catapulted Volodymyr Zelensky, a 41-year-old standup comedian and television star with no political experience, into the nation's top job.

As a leader of a country dependent on international aid and battling separatists,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/as-comedian-eyes-presidency-ukraine-braces-for-uncertain-future-212184&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiPtpW97-LhAhUq7XMBHU5dDT4QFggUMAU&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Tc9WQEPRJrVL6K8SPc7eM"> Zelensky</a> will have to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, deep economic problems and possibly rebellious elites.

Here is a look at the main challenges facing Ukraine's sixth president:

War with separatists&nbsp;

Voters expect the new commander-in-chief to end a five-year war with Moscow-backed separatists in the industrial east.

The conflict has claimed some 13,000 lives since 2014 and is a huge burden on the economy and society.

Despite numerous attempts to staunch the bloodletting, the conflict regularly claims the lives of soldiers and civilians, and a solution is nowhere in sight.

Zelensky's rival Petro Poroshenko accused the comic of lacking the gravitas and stamina to stand up to Putin.

But analysts say Zelensky could use his outsider status to strike a political deal with the Kremlin, which has said it does not want to deal with Poroshenko.

"Zelensky will look for diplomatic solutions and try to avoid settling the conflict through military means," said Ukrainian political expert Mykola Davydyuk.

In a major faux pas during Friday's debate with Poroshenko, Zelensky called the separatists "rebels", sparking the military's anger.

"We do not have 'rebels'," Ukraine's General Staff said on Twitter. "We have Russian aggression."

Zelensky said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Struggling economy&nbsp;

After a popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime in 2014, the new Ukrainian government secured a $17.5 billion deal led by the International Monetary Fund to buttress the struggling economy.

But the disbursement of the funds has often been delayed as Poroshenko's government has struggled to push through reforms required by the IMF, including anti-corruption measures and raising household gas prices.

Zelensky said he will continue cooperating with the IMF and promised to do whatever is necessary to service the country's debt.

Analysts warn that he is facing a huge challenge as Ukraine's debt obligations peak in the next few years.

"In the next three years Ukraine will have to pay off more than $20 billion in state debt," said Oleksandr Parashchiy, head of research at Concorde Capital, a Kiev-based investment bank.&nbsp;

"It's not exactly clear where the money would come from."

Economic growth is also slowing down, added Parashchiy. "He'll have to do something with that, too."

Zelensky does not have a firm economic programme, though his team does include Poroshenko's former finance minister, Oleksandr Danylyuk.

The young president will also have to rein in oligarchs who wield huge influence and prove to supporters he is not in the employ of tycoon Igor Kolomoysky, whose channel broadcast his shows.

Hostile establishment&nbsp;

Zelensky will also have to demonstrate his ability to negotiate with various political forces to push through much-needed reforms.

He does not have a proper political party of his own and will likely face huge resistance in parliament where Poroshenko's faction has the most seats.

"It would be very hard for Zelensky to secure parliament's support," said Anatoliy Oktysyuk, an analyst with Democracy House, a Kiev-based think tank.

"He will have a hostile parliament on his hands."

Parliamentary elections are set to take place in October.

Poroshenko and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who was knocked out of the presidential race during the first round of voting last month, may be looking for revenge during the legislative polls.

Analyst Davydyuk said assembling the right team will be crucial for the neophyte president.&nbsp;

"The main challenge for Zelensky is neither the army nor the war with Russia," he said.

"It is putting together a team: who will be his chief of staff, his deputies, who will fill the key positions."

Analysts say Ukrainians expect radical change quickly so Zelensky will have to move fast before he faces a possible legitimacy crisis.

"Everyone will criticise him," Oktysyuk said. "I have a feeling Zelensky will soon fizzle out and everything might end with impeachment."

 
&nbsp;

Ukraine's election has catapulted Volodymyr Zelensky, a 41-year-old standup comedian and television star with no political experience, into the nation's top job.

Ukraine's election has catapulted Volodymyr Zelensky, a 41-year-old standup comedian and television star with no political experience, into the nation's top job. As a leader of a country dependent on international aid and battling separatists, Zelensky will have to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, deep economic problems and possibly rebellious elites. Here is a look at the main challenges facing Ukraine's sixth president: War with separatists Voters expect the new commander-in-chief to end a five-year war with Moscow-backed separatists in the industrial east. The conflict has claimed some 13,000 lives since 2014 and is a huge burden on the economy and society. Despite numerous attempts to staunch the bloodletting, the conflict regularly claims the lives of soldiers and civilians, and a solution is nowhere in sight. Zelensky's rival Petro Poroshenko accused the comic of lacking the gravitas and stamina to stand up to Putin. But analysts say Zelensky could use his outsider status to strike a political deal with the Kremlin, which has said it does not want to deal with Poroshenko. "Zelensky will look for diplomatic solutions and try to avoid settling the conflict through military means," said Ukrainian political expert Mykola Davydyuk. In a major faux pas during Friday's debate with Poroshenko, Zelensky called the separatists "rebels", sparking the military's anger. "We do not have 'rebels'," Ukraine's General Staff said on Twitter. "We have Russian aggression." Zelensky said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Struggling economy After a popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime in 2014, the new Ukrainian government secured a $17.5 billion deal led by the International Monetary Fund to buttress the struggling economy. But the disbursement of the funds has often been delayed as Poroshenko's government has struggled to push through reforms required by the IMF, including anti-corruption measures and raising household gas prices. Zelensky said he will continue cooperating with the IMF and promised to do whatever is necessary to service the country's debt. Analysts warn that he is facing a huge challenge as Ukraine's debt obligations peak in the next few years. "In the next three years Ukraine will have to pay off more than $20 billion in state debt," said Oleksandr Parashchiy, head of research at Concorde Capital, a Kiev-based investment bank. "It's not exactly clear where the money would come from." Economic growth is also slowing down, added Parashchiy. "He'll have to do something with that, too." Zelensky does not have a firm economic programme, though his team does include Poroshenko's former finance minister, Oleksandr Danylyuk. The young president will also have to rein in oligarchs who wield huge influence and prove to supporters he is not in the employ of tycoon Igor Kolomoysky, whose channel broadcast his shows. Hostile establishment Zelensky will also have to demonstrate his ability to negotiate with various political forces to push through much-needed reforms. He does not have a proper political party of his own and will likely face huge resistance in parliament where Poroshenko's faction has the most seats. "It would be very hard for Zelensky to secure parliament's support," said Anatoliy Oktysyuk, an analyst with Democracy House, a Kiev-based think tank. "He will have a hostile parliament on his hands." Parliamentary elections are set to take place in October. Poroshenko and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who was knocked out of the presidential race during the first round of voting last month, may be looking for revenge during the legislative polls. Analyst Davydyuk said assembling the right team will be crucial for the neophyte president. "The main challenge for Zelensky is neither the army nor the war with Russia," he said. "It is putting together a team: who will be his chief of staff, his deputies, who will fill the key positions." Analysts say Ukrainians expect radical change quickly so Zelensky will have to move fast before he faces a possible legitimacy crisis. "Everyone will criticise him," Oktysyuk said. "I have a feeling Zelensky will soon fizzle out and everything might end with impeachment."

From comic to commander-in-chief: challenges for new Ukraine leader

European observers on Monday praised <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/from-comic-to-commander-in-chief-challenges-for-new-ukraine-leader-212488&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjbi5G75-PhAhUIso8KHRtjByMQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Jbb9nuY0MED0jsdFt5Naz">Ukraine's presidential election</a> as "competitive and held with respect for fundamental freedoms" but said the campaigns were thin on substance.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-pledges-support-to-ukraine-after-volodymyr-zelensky-win-212597&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjbi5G75-PhAhUIso8KHRtjByMQFggXMAY&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KVwTyxaokGMSd53TGHdep">Volodymyr Zelensky,</a> whose only previous political role was playing the president in a TV show, crushed incumbent Petro Poroshenko in a runoff on Sunday, taking 73.2 per cent of the vote.

Voter turnout stood at 62 per cent.

"The runoff was well-organised, despite operational challenges and a limited timeframe," the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said in a statement.

"The orderly transfer of power should offer the opportunity for strengthening democratic institutions and their accountability," the monitors said.

The observers, however, questioned the sensationalist nature of the campaign which saw the two rivals trade insults and takes drug tests to prove they don't have a substance abuse problem.

"The campaign for both rounds lacked genuine discussion of issues of public concern," the OSCE said.

The first and only policy debate of the race was heavy on theatrics and saw Zelensky and Poroshenko kneel in front of the audience to honour Ukraine's war dead.

Kiev has been battling Moscow-backed separatists in the country's east since 2014 in a conflict that has killed some 13,000 people.

Poroshenko quickly conceded defeat in the election and Western leaders including US President Donald Trump, French leader Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel all congratulated the political novice on his landslide win.

In a joint letter to Zelensky, EU Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker expressed admiration for Ukrainians' "strong attachment to democracy and the rule of law that the people of Ukraine have demonstrated."&nbsp;

A total of 39 candidates ran in last month's first round of voting in which Zelensky captured more than 30 per cent of the vote.

European observers on Monday praised Ukraine's presidential election as "competitive and held with respect for fundamental freedoms" but said the campaigns were thin on substance.

European observers on Monday praised Ukraine's presidential election as "competitive and held with respect for fundamental freedoms" but said the campaigns were thin on substance. Volodymyr Zelensky, whose only previous political role was playing the president in a TV show, crushed incumbent Petro Poroshenko in a runoff on Sunday, taking 73.2 per cent of the vote. Voter turnout stood at 62 per cent. "The runoff was well-organised, despite operational challenges and a limited timeframe," the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said in a statement. "The orderly transfer of power should offer the opportunity for strengthening democratic institutions and their accountability," the monitors said. The observers, however, questioned the sensationalist nature of the campaign which saw the two rivals trade insults and takes drug tests to prove they don't have a substance abuse problem. "The campaign for both rounds lacked genuine discussion of issues of public concern," the OSCE said. The first and only policy debate of the race was heavy on theatrics and saw Zelensky and Poroshenko kneel in front of the audience to honour Ukraine's war dead. Kiev has been battling Moscow-backed separatists in the country's east since 2014 in a conflict that has killed some 13,000 people. Poroshenko quickly conceded defeat in the election and Western leaders including US President Donald Trump, French leader Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel all congratulated the political novice on his landslide win. In a joint letter to Zelensky, EU Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker expressed admiration for Ukrainians' "strong attachment to democracy and the rule of law that the people of Ukraine have demonstrated." A total of 39 candidates ran in last month's first round of voting in which Zelensky captured more than 30 per cent of the vote.

European observers hail Ukraine's 'competitive' election; says, held with respect for fundamental freedoms