Volodymyr Zelensky / Screenshot

Ukrainian presidential candidate Volodymyr Zelensky has invited leader of the Batkivshchyna party Yulia Tymoshenko to become an independent moderator in his debates with incumbent President Petro Poroshenko ahead of the second round of the elections.

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The corresponding video invitation was posted by Zelensky's Ze Team! on Facebook and Telegram channel on Thursday, April 4.

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In his new video message, Zelensky said he accepts an apology from Poroshenko.

"The tone of the conversation has been dramatically changed. Well, Mr. President, I accept your ridiculous apologies. I am a simple man. As for a third of the citizens of Ukraine, let the Ukrainians decide for themselves," he said.

Zelensky noted this debate is a chance to unite Ukraine.

"In order to avoid bribery, provocations and administrative pressure, we propose to appoint an independent debate moderator. Yulia Tymoshenko, you ranked third in the first round and did not support any of the candidates. Can you become a guarantor of fair rules and equal opportunities in debates?" the candidate said.

Zelensky said he would wait for a response "within 24 hours."

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Central Election Commission processed 100% of the protocols of the precinct election commissions in the first round of presidential elections in Ukraine.

Data posted on the CEC website say showman Volodymyr Zelensky is confidently leading with 30.24% of the votes.

At the same time, 15.95% of voters cast their ballots in favor of incumbent President Petro Poroshenko.

Zelensky said on Wednesday, April 3, he was ready to hold debates with Poroshenko pending the second round of the presidential elections but named a number of conditions. In particular, the event should take place at Kyiv's Olympiyskiy Stadium, in front of the people of Ukraine. Moreover, all channels should be able to broadcast it live. Zelensky gave Poroshenko 24 hours for decision-making.

In turn, Poroshenko agreed to hold debates with Zelensky at the Olympiyskiy Stadium.