"They cannot be organized without complete conformity with the Ukrainian legislation, the provision of methodical and other assistance by the Central Election Commission, the presence of international observers, the absence of armed people on the streets and the guarantees of free expression of will of the citizens," the Head of State said answering the question on ensuring the election process in the Donbas.

"Any other elections will be illegitimate. Elections appointed by self-proclaimed terrorist organizations that will not meet the Ukrainian legislation, will be held without observers but with violation of electoral rights of Ukrainian citizens will be recognized neither by Ukraine nor by the entire world. I hope Russia will not recognize them as well. I strongly hope that we will manage to conduct the elections, for they are beneficial both for Ukraine and the Donbas," the President noted.

The Head of State emphasized that local elections were the only democratic way to reload the government and initiate political dialogue.

The President informed that he was willing to submit constitutional amendments on decentralization of power for consideration by the new Verkhovna Rada. "I will suggest constitutional amendments that will touch upon power decentralization. It will be a substantial increase of powers of local councils, including budgetary powers. I firmly believe that the increase of powers must be accompanied by early elections, for the people to have an opportunity to elect those who will use these powers," Petro Poroshenko stressed.

"It is impossible to resolve the political crisis without elections. I hope that the date of elections won't be changed," the President emphasized.