Putin ally to Ukraine's probable new leader: Reconcile with Moscow and get territory back

Ukraine's politician Viktor Medvedchuk poses for a picture during an interview with Reuters in Kiev, Ukraine April 17, 2019. REUTERS/Andrew Osborn

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's new president could regain control over the separatist-controlled east of his country within months and get cheap gas and major investment from Russia if he repairs ties with Moscow, the Kremlin's closest ally in Ukraine said.

Viktor Medvedchuk, a prominent figure in Ukraine's Russia-leaning opposition, outlined the prospect in an interview before a presidential election runoff in Ukraine on Sunday which polls show political novice Volodymyr Zelenskiy should easily win.