The article For Kremlin, Ukrainian Election a Choice Between Lesser of Three Evils published by Reuters on 7 March 2019 (https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-ukraine-election-russia/for-kremlin-ukrainian-election-a-choice-between-lesser-of-three-evils-idUKKCN1QO0H5) contains a reference to the ongoing war in the Ukrainian region of Donbas a “conflict with separatists”. We would like to draw the attention of the Editorial as well as of Reuters’ readers to the incorrect usage of this term.

20 February marked a tragic anniversary: 5 years since the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which resulted in the illegal annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas, where Ukrainian soldiers are fighting a 40,000-strong Russian army. Ukraine’s partner countries abroad as well as international organisations including the International Criminal Court classify the war as an international armed conflict in eastern Ukraine that involves direct military engagement between the respective armed forces of the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

In addition, the article contains misleading information that “3 million Ukrainians who live and work in Russia will not be able to vote” in Ukraine’s presidential elections.

The decision of canceling the polling stations’ creation in the territory of the Russian Federation was made by the Ukrainian Government taking into account the existing security threats to a voting process in the aggressor-state and impossibility to ensure appropriate electoral process in the Russian territory based on the constitutional laws and electoral standards upheld in Ukraine. At the same time, Ukrainian citizens are always guaranteed their electoral rights and are able to cast their votes in Ukraine. Moreover, a special procedure has been put in place for Ukrainian citizens temporarily or permanently residing in the Russian Federation whereby they will be able to cast their votes in the upcoming elections at the polling stations established in Finland, Georgia, and Kazakhstan.

Thus, we would appreciate Reuters refraining from publishing unverified information that might mislead public opinion. Also, out of respect for millions of Ukrainians suffering from the Russia-imposed war and the memory of at least 13,000 people killed over the last five years of the conflict, including 4,000 Ukrainian servicemen and 240 children, we request that you correct the aforementioned article.