A comedian and a woman are currently main Ukraine presidential contenders.

Current leader Petro Poroshenko, one of Ukraine's wealthiest oligarchs, is seeking re-election but the surprise front-runner is 41-year-old comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Mr Zelenskiy is aiming to turn his satirical TV show - in which he portrays an ordinary citizen who becomes president after fighting corruption - into reality.

He has done no rallies and few interviews, but his extensive use of social media appeals to younger voters.

His readiness to speak both Russian and Ukrainian gained him support in Ukraine's largely Russian-speaking east.

The third main contender is Yulia Tymoshenko who has served as prime minister, and played a leading role in the 2004 Orange Revolution, Ukraine's first big push to ally itself with the EU.

Photo is of 41-year-old comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

[bbc.com]