In the run-off, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who played a key role in the November 2004 'Orange Revolution', will compete with Russophile frontrunner and former President Viktor Yanukovich (EurActiv 18/01/10).
International election monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) claimed that "the first round of the 2010 presidential poll had been of 'high quality' and showed significant progress from previous polls," Reuters reports.
Poland strongly supports both EU and NATO membership for its large eastern neighbour. Russia sees Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence and is especially opposed to former Soviet republics joining NATO, its Cold War foe.
"We'll see whom the Ukrainians choose in the second round, but I think the direction of Ukraine is already set. I do not see how it could be reversed. Ukraine is part of Europe," Polish presidential aide Mariusz Handzlik told Reuters.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski echoed Handzlik's comments later on Tuesday, saying Warsaw was ready to continue backing Kiev's EU bid if Ukraine pursued that policy.
"Poland wants to have the best relations possible with any democratically-elected president of Ukraine. We will respect the decision of the Ukrainian nation whatever it will be," he said.
"The sole fact that Ukraine will have another democratic election to its credit is a great victory that creates good perspectives for a further deepening of relations with the [...] trans-Atlantic community," Sikorski told a news conference.
Handzlik said the EU needed both Ukraine and Turkey in order to become a truly global player. Unlike Ukraine, Turkey is already an official candidate negotiating entry.
"It may take time, of course, but there is definitely a place for these two countries in the bloc," Handzlik concluded.
(EurActiv with Reuters.)
