Kiev: Hopes for a settlement of Ukraine’s three-month crisis are evaporating tonight in what is potentially its most serious escalation yet amid scenes of rioting, burning buildings, and the firing of police rubber bullets in Kiev. Up to nine protesters are reported dead today and more than 200 were injured.
The security services issued ominous warning earlier, ordering tens of thousands of protesters to get off the streets by Tuesday evening or face a crackdown. In the last hour, Ukrainian police are moving in on a large protest camp in the centre of the city. A number of water cannon are being used, along with stun grenades.
Today’s violence was some of the worst since a government-opposition confrontation erupted last November, and came after President Viktor Yanukovych, the main target of the protests, stalled on outlines of an agreement to appoint a new technocratic coalition government or to have his powers cutback.
Columns of riot police sought to banish crowds of protesters from encroaching on the country’s parliament, while demonstrators also partially ransacked offices of Yanukovych’s political party.
A statement by the security services said, Extremists are killing innocents on the streets of the capital, burning buildings and cars. Unless the disorder stops, we will have to restore order by all means envisaged by law.
The foreign ministries of Ukraine and Russia issued what appeared to be co-ordinate statements blaming Europe for fomenting the unrest.
A statement by protesters said, the violent clashes today have to date resulted in deaths by bullets and hundreds of injuries, including seven people in a critical position. Snipers posted on roofs are targeting the heads and chests of protesters.
Ambulances blocked by security forces are not able to provide first aid to the injured.
Bureau Report
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