A day before the pre-election debates in Ukraine, the Ukrainians themselves are at a loss. What will change after the vote? If candidate Zelensky called Bandera a hero, Poroshenko admitted that he was not ideal, while oligarch Kolomoisky is likely to return to Kiev: the court has found the nationalization of his Privatbank was illegal.
Here's Ekaterina Sheremetieva's report from Ukraine's capital.
Now, it's safe to say that the presidential candidates are going to get a stadium full. According to Arsen Avakov, around 60,000 people will come to watch the debates. All the tickets are sold out. The candidates are hyping about the event which has been advertised by show business rules as it is.
"In 28 years, he has stolen from you everything he could. Yes, I'm not ideal".
Zelensky, as usual, filmed an online-video.
THE END OF THE OLD EPOCH
Poroshenko addressed the nation on TV. But it was quite unclear who he was talking more about: about himself or the opponent?
Pyotr Poroshenko, President of Ukraine: "5 years of the presidency is not a comedy you can rewind at any point, neither is it a horror movie you can turn off when it gets too scary."
The show at the stadium will start with a concert. Artists will have 3 hours to warm up the audience. It's 3 times as much as the debates themselves will take. Poroshenko managed to secure the installation of two stages at once. Zelensky, on the other hand, managed to arrange a fan zone and a dance floor. The supporters of candidates will be sitting opposite each other on the tribunes. 10,000 National Guard officers will be ensuring the order on the arena. It's 10 times as many as during Dinamo Kiev's matches. At the stadium itself, there are 4 police detention rooms. But, if need be, they can fit no more than 42 people.
The residents of Kiev themselves say they were waiting for political debates but eventually, as it seems, they're getting another performance.
"How can you take it seriously? I don't think we need these debates".
Even betting offices make jokes about the debates.
"One of the candidates throws water on the other: 1 to 25".
"Sings a song on air before the start of the debates: 1 to 10".
"One of the candidates faints: 1 to 15".
Those who couldn't buy tickets to the stadium are going to watch the broadcast. In Kiev, tables in bars and cafés are being booked as if there's going to be a football match.
"Good day! This is Pyotr Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine. The 21st of April is the crucial day which will determine the destiny of Ukraine. I'm asking you to support my policy".
Thousands of Ukrainians have received this telephone call today. A direct call marketing campaign is not the most efficient advertising tool. But Poroshenko is ready to use it. At the last moment, Zelensky tried to steal the nationalists' votes.
Vladimir Zelensky, presidential candidate: "Stepan Bandera is a hero for some of the Ukrainians. It's normal, it's cool. He was one of those who were defending Ukraine's freedom".
During the same interview, candidate Zelensky said that there would be no amnesty for the residents of Donetsk and Lugansk, the same goes for the special status for Donbass. He is not going to cooperate with the opposition, for example, with the Pro-Life Platform. It's not clear if he'll continue to keep in touch with oligarch Kolomoisky.
- What if, let's say, Kolomoisky will try to solve some of his problems using your name?
Vladimir Zelensky: I'll have a talk with him about it in a harsh way.
- Will you fight?
- I will. If he does anything using my name, you know... it's just not possible.
Zelensky sheltered himself behind patriotism in 2014 when performing for Kolomoisky's nationalist battalions in Donbass. An invisible shade of the oligarch who was exiled to Israel by Poroshenko is becoming closer and closer to Ukraine.
- Will you return to Ukraine if Zelensky wins?
Igor Kolomoisky, businessman: "Of course, I will. I care about him, I want him to become the president".
Kolomoisky's interests are clear. Today, the court in Kiev has found the nationalization of his Privatbank was illegal. It'll be much easier to receive the compensation of $2 billion under a loyal president.
Ekaterina Sheremetyeva, Alexandr Shevchuk, Artyom Zheleznyakov, Vesti, Kiev.
