Zelensky's campaign headquarters says debate with Poroshenko makes no sense

"Members of the campaign headquarters of presidential candidate Volodymyr Zelensky doubt the expediency of his participation in a debate with incumbent President Petro Poroshenko, despite the fact that Zelensky earlier publicly declared his readiness for the debate," the statement reads.

According to the newspaper, Zelensky's advisor Riaboshapka called the debate meaningless.

"I don't see any sense here. What questions to Zelensky can come from Poroshenko who considers him a puppet of [Ukrainian oligarch Ihor] Kolomoisky? Maybe he will hold a debate with Kolomoisky?" Riaboshapka said.

According to Zelensky's advisor, the debate can turn into "dog fighting" during which opponents do not discuss political programs but put up a show.

Riaboshapka also said that Poroshenko had been in office for five years and he "could prove and explain everything with his own deeds."

According to earlier reports, President Poroshenko considers a political debate to be a key element of the second round of the presidential election and said that "he who dodges [the debate] will know that he has nothing to say."

op