14:02
20.2.2014
The Interior Ministry says in a statement that security forces have been given permission to use firearms "in self-defense" in accordance with the law.
Re-posting this video of shooting by apparent snipers.
Re-posting this video of shooting by apparent snipers.
13:56
20.2.2014
Titushka is slang for a marauding, typically paid, government supporter.
13:52
20.2.2014
A group of ten Party of Regions Deputies released a statement today condemning the violence and calling for an urgent meeting "to return to a parliamentary-presidential form of government."
It goes on to "condemn the actions aimed at escalation of armed conflict, urge both sides to cease aggressive action and to start peace talks with participation of international observers from the EU and the United States."
It called on the security services to abandon the "criminal orders concerning the use of firearms."
via our Ukrainian Service
It goes on to "condemn the actions aimed at escalation of armed conflict, urge both sides to cease aggressive action and to start peace talks with participation of international observers from the EU and the United States."
It called on the security services to abandon the "criminal orders concerning the use of firearms."
via our Ukrainian Service
13:41
20.2.2014
Translating the tweet:
"Self defense forces say goodbye to their brethren. They chant, 'heroes don't die, enemies do!'"
"Self defense forces say goodbye to their brethren. They chant, 'heroes don't die, enemies do!'"
13:02
20.2.2014
Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, of the Udar party, releases video with list of demands:
First, MPs should urgently gather at 15.00 at parliament to make decisions that which will resolve the crisis.
Second, President Yanukovych has to announce an early presidential election. This is the only way to stop the violence.
Third, I call on every citizen. Unite to protect your life, health and property. Along with neighbors and friends, do not let excesses happen in the streets.
We must stop the bloodshed.
First, MPs should urgently gather at 15.00 at parliament to make decisions that which will resolve the crisis.
Second, President Yanukovych has to announce an early presidential election. This is the only way to stop the violence.
Third, I call on every citizen. Unite to protect your life, health and property. Along with neighbors and friends, do not let excesses happen in the streets.
We must stop the bloodshed.
12:41
20.2.2014
Tyahnybok is the leader of the nationalist Svoboda party.
12:26
20.2.2014
The mayor of Kyiv has resigned from Yanukovych's ruling Party of Regions in protest over the bloodshed that has claimed dozens of lives in the Ukrainian capital. Volodymyr Makeyenko, acting mayor of Kyiv, said in a statement that the events in the capital are a "tragedy for the Ukrainian people." He said he would do everything possible to put a stop to the "bloodshed" and that he was ready to assume personal responsibility for running the city. Yanukovych appointed Makayenko acting mayor of Kyiv in late January after firing his predecessor for allegedly ordering the brutal police crackdown on antigovernment protesters in Kyiv's Independence Square on November 30.
12:21
20.2.2014
In what could be an important development regarding sanctions, this is just in from RFE/RL's Brussels correspondent Rikard Jozwiak:
EU foreign ministers are to impose targeted measures against Ukrainians responsible for the violence in the country.
That’s according to draft conclusions of an extraordinary meeting of the EU foreign affairs council held in Brussels on Thursday [February 20].
The draft does not make clear whether the measures will include both asset freezes and visa bans, and it mentions no number of individuals.
The document, seen by RFE/RL, also includes the introduction of an EU arms embargo on Ukraine and a ban on exports of equipment used for internal repression such as batons.
The conclusions also state that the main responsibility for taking the first step to a dialogue to solve the crisis lies with the Ukrainian authorities
The text might change as EU ambassadors are still debating the text.
EU foreign ministers might also change it this afternoon before they sign it off.
EU foreign ministers are to impose targeted measures against Ukrainians responsible for the violence in the country.
That’s according to draft conclusions of an extraordinary meeting of the EU foreign affairs council held in Brussels on Thursday [February 20].
The draft does not make clear whether the measures will include both asset freezes and visa bans, and it mentions no number of individuals.
The document, seen by RFE/RL, also includes the introduction of an EU arms embargo on Ukraine and a ban on exports of equipment used for internal repression such as batons.
The conclusions also state that the main responsibility for taking the first step to a dialogue to solve the crisis lies with the Ukrainian authorities
The text might change as EU ambassadors are still debating the text.
EU foreign ministers might also change it this afternoon before they sign it off.
12:10
20.2.2014
Olesya Zhukovska, an activist, posts on VKontakte, "I'm dying." She appears to be the same woman who appeared in this picture earlier today.
We cannot confirm her current medical condition.
We cannot confirm her current medical condition.
11:54
20.2.2014
From "Novaya Gazeta" an opposition-leaning Russian newspaper.
"On Kreshatik, there's a linching of a Titushki (pro government supporter). First aid can't get through. Any more and he'll be killed."
"On Kreshatik, there's a linching of a Titushki (pro government supporter). First aid can't get through. Any more and he'll be killed."