SHANGHAI, May 21 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that it will be hard for Russia to build relations with Ukrainian leaders who come to power at a time of growing tension.

Putin's remark to reporters during a visit to China appeared to be aimed at casting doubt on the legitimacy of a presidential election that is to be held on Sunday in Ukraine. (Reporting by Alexei Anishchuk; Writing by Steve Gutterman)

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