Poroshenko 'definitely' sure of victory in Ukraine election

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko insisted he could beat comedian and poll-leader Volodymyr Zelensky as his re-election campaign wrapped up on Friday.

Friday is the last day of campaigning before a first-round vote on Sunday, in which opinion polls show Poroshenko and ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko scrambling for a second place to face Zelensky in a run-off.

Poroshenko, however, said he "definitely" felt sure of victory.

Political campaign workers operate a booth for Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko in Kiev, Ukraine, March 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

"We understand how important this election is for democracy in Ukraine, for the future of Ukraine and for the stability of Europe," he said.

The 53-year-old leader came to power in 2014 on promises to tackle graft, improve living standards and align Ukraine with the West.

But after five years, corruption is still widespread and Ukraine remains among the poorest nations in Europe.

Frustrations with the political class have led to the surprise rise of Zelensky, who has a roughly 10-point lead over his nearest rivals in final polls published this week.

Nonetheless, Poroshenko told thousands of supporters in Lviv that "the worst, friends, is definitely over."