Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, a political novice and favourite to win Kiev's presidential vote, will head to Paris Friday to meet French President Emmanuel Macron.

Ukraine comedian Zelensky to meet French President Emmanuel Macron before presidential run-off

Comedian and political novice Volodymyr Zelensky topped the first round of Ukraine's presidential election on Sunday, exit polls showed, leading incumbent Petro Poroshenko into a run-off.

Ukraine elections: Comedian and political novice Volodymyr Zelensky tops first round

Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky topped the first round of Ukraine's presidential election with almost twice the vote share of his nearest rival, incumbent Petro Poroshenko, partial results showed Monday.

Partial results give comedian Zelensky strong lead in Ukraine vote

Ukraine's presidential election will be held on March 31, with a record number 39 candidates running for office. According to recent polls, incumbent President Petro Poroshenko, opposition politician Yulia Tymoshenko, and comedian Volodymyr Zelensky are the race's front runners.

Ukraine to hold presidential election today; 39 candidates running for office

A US envoy for Ukraine on Saturday accused Russia of seeking to remove Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko from power in the March polls, in the hope of working out a favourable deal with a different government.

Moscow wants Ukraine's leader 'removed from power': US diplomat