Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky wins presidential election over incumbent Petro Poroshenko, according to exit polls
By Anton Troianovski Anton Troianovski Moscow bureau chief covering Russia Email Bio Follow April 21 at 1:26 PM KIEV, Ukraine — Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky swept to victory in Ukraine’s presidential election Sunday, an exit poll showed, as millions of voters weary of war and economic hardship rebuked the ruling elites and ushered in fresh uncertainty for their geopolitically pivotal nation.
Zelensky’s experience in politics amounts to playing the Ukrainian president on a popular sitcom. But amid a continuing war in eastern Ukraine, economic travails and popular revulsion over allegations of government corruption, Zelensky’s anti-establishment, antiwar and reformist message captured the support of a wide cross-section of the country.
Ukraine, a country of more than 40 million people, is pivotal to Putin’s effort to maintain a sphere of influence in Eastern Europe. Putin annexed Ukraine’s Crimea Peninsula and backed separatists in eastern Ukraine after popular protests toppled a Moscow-friendly president in Kiev in 2014. A successful democracy in Ukraine — which shares deep historic, linguistic and cultural links with Russia — could also energize opposition within Russia to Putin’s autocratic rule.
In his last-ditch appeal before the runoff, Poroshenko told voters that handing the presidency to Zelensky would imperil the very existence of the country. Zelensky’s slick, social media and TV-driven campaign masked the influence of the Kremlin and of unscrupulous billionaires, Poroshenko alleged. During his campaign, Zelensky largely eschewed traditional advertising and unscripted interactions with journalists. Instead, the entertainer relied on social media and his television shows to reach voters.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky wins presidential election over incumbent Petro Poroshenko, according to exit pollsPolls show comedian Volodymyr Zelensky with a big lead over President Petro Poroshenko.
Leer más »
Comedian expected to crush incumbent in Ukraine’s presidential electionFaced with the strong possibility of being trounced by a comedian with no political experience, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has started throwing Hail Marys, such as awkwardly performing a folk song on stage.
Leer más »
Comedian Zelenskiy keeps Ukraine presidential poll leadComic actor Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a political novice who plays a fictional presid...
Leer más »
Ukrainian comedian poised to become president, unseating incumbentA comedian who plays a president on a popular Ukrainian television series is poised to become the nation’s real-life president as the country voted on Sunday.
Leer más »
Comedian Zelenskiy would win second round of Ukraine vote, poll showsThe presidential candidate and comic actor Volodymyr Zelenskiy is likely to win ...
Leer más »
Ukraine quiet ahead of presidential electionKIEV, Ukraine (AP) — A comedian who plays the role of Ukraine's president on television is set to take on the job for real, pushing out the man who currently holds the office, according to public...
Leer más »
Polls open in North Macedonia for presidential electionPolls open Sunday in North Macedonia for presidential election seen as a key test for the government following country's name change
Leer más »
Hacked emails appear to reveal Russia is backing the comedian likely to be Ukraine's next presidentResearchers say the hacks appear to be authentic, but some of the allegations are impossible to verify.
Leer más »
Comedian appears set to take presidency in Ukraine voteDismayed by endemic corruption and a struggling economy, Ukrainian voters appear poised to strongly rebuke incumbent Petro Poroshenko and replace him with TV star Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Leer más »
Perspective | How Ukraine’s comedian-candidate could disappoint the KremlinIf Ukraine voters elect television star Volodymyr Zelensky president Sunday, that should please the Kremlin — in theory. But it's possible he'll disappoint the Russians.
Leer más »
Hoping for peace, Ukraine’s voters appear likely to elect a comedian as presidentPolls predict Volodymyr Zelensky will beat incumbent Petro Poroshenko in Sunday’s runoff.
Leer más »