Around 75,000 troops will be deployed around Ukraine to ensure security in Sunday's presidential elections.

It is still unclear how many polling stations will be opened in the eastern part of the country, where pro-Russian militia still keep tight control.

"The Interior Ministry is taking targeted steps to ensure safety of civilians and members of election commissions. Around 55,700 police forces and 20,000 volunteers would be mobilized to guarantee security during the voting across Ukraine", an Interior Ministry official said.

"I am from Slaviansk in Donetsk and although we have been forbidden to vote in our town, me and my family hope to travel to Kharkiv region and vote there", a young woman told Euronews.

Eighteen candidates are running in the presidential elections, with confectionery tycoon Petro Poroshenko and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko among the main favorites.