Ukraine has plunged into turmoil as mass protests have left the country in distress and Flames. After weeks of protesting and anger over the decision to not join the European Union by the President himself; He has just stated he “agreed to work out a compromise” which angers many but pleases few.
The protests began when Kiev refused a deal with the European Union for free trade, opting instead for closer ties with neighbor Russia. It was said that Protesters are blockading government buildings with cars, barricades and tents to portray their anger and disgust to the government’s decision.
The demonstrators have condemned Mr Yanukovych for refusing to sign an association agreement with the EU last month. He said he shelved it because it would put trade with Russia at risk.
A protestor said “The government and opposition should hold talks to solve this. It has gone too far, it might result in conflict,” he went on to say “We do not want a conflict.”
With pressure growing, thousands remained on the streets of Kiev and called for the police to stay calm, but demonstrators were holding their ground as security forces began removing barricades.
“None of us has neither guns nor other objects; this is a peaceful protest “another protestor declared.
We call on people to stand their ground, and peacefully, without using force or aggression, to defend their right to live in a free country,” said heavyweight boxing champion Vitaly Klitschko, who has emerged as one of the leaders of the protests, quoted by Reuters news agency.
Conditions have been against the protests and the freezing temperatures have forced them to burn tires and sipped hot soup and tea to keep warm. Others camped out in tents to join the rally and show their support. The crowds often swell in the evenings as people leave work and join the rallies.
The protests have gained support all over the world. George Clooney said in an online video “We here in the United States have great affinity for those seeking democracy,”
During the evening, a group of protesters smashed the city’s statue of the Russian revolutionary leader Lenin, and brought its dismembered parts as trophies to Independence Square.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Yanukovych on Sunday and told the Ukrainian President that he had “concern” about the situation, urging authorities not to resort to violence.
Yanukovych told the U.N. chief that “consultations would be initiated to defuse the situation,” the United Nations said. EU foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton will be in Ukraine on Tuesday and Wednesday “to support a way out of the political crisis”.
The protesters have given Mr Yanukovych 48 hours to dismiss the government and are demanding new elections for the presidency and government.
Top Western diplomats headed to Kiev Tuesday to try to defuse a stand-off between President Viktor Yanukovych’s government and thousands of demonstrators, following a night in which police in riot gear dismantled protesters’ encampments outside government buildings.
Many of the protesters suspect Russia’s President Vladimir Putin of trying to model a new Russian-led customs union on the Soviet Union. So far, only Belarus and Kazakhstan have joined it.
Ukraine has plunged into turmoil as mass protests have left the country in distress and Flames. After weeks of protesting and anger over the decision to not join the European Union by the President himself; He has just stated he “agreed to work out a compromise” which angers many but pleases few.
The protests began when Kiev refused a deal with the European Union for free trade, opting instead for closer ties with neighbor Russia. It was said that Protesters are blockading government buildings with cars, barricades and tents to portray their anger and disgust to the government’s decision.
The demonstrators have condemned Mr Yanukovych for refusing to sign an association agreement with the EU last month. He said he shelved it because it would put trade with Russia at risk.
A protestor said “The government and opposition should hold talks to solve this. It has gone too far, it might result in conflict,” he went on to say “We do not want a conflict.”
With pressure growing, thousands remained on the streets of Kiev and called for the police to stay calm, but demonstrators were holding their ground as security forces began removing barricades.
“None of us has neither guns nor other objects; this is a peaceful protest “another protestor declared.
We call on people to stand their ground, and peacefully, without using force or aggression, to defend their right to live in a free country,” said heavyweight boxing champion Vitaly Klitschko, who has emerged as one of the leaders of the protests, quoted by Reuters news agency.
Conditions have been against the protests and the freezing temperatures have forced them to burn tires and sipped hot soup and tea to keep warm.
Others camped out in tents to join the rally and show their support. The crowds often swell in the evenings as people leave work and join the rallies.
The protests have gained support all over the world. George Clooney said in an online video “We here in the United States have great affinity for those seeking democracy,”
During the evening, a group of protesters smashed the city’s statue of the Russian revolutionary leader Lenin, and brought its dismembered parts as trophies to Independence Square.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Yanukovych on Sunday and told the Ukrainian President that he had “concern” about the situation, urging authorities not to resort to violence.
Yanukovych told the U.N. chief that “consultations would be initiated to defuse the situation,” the United Nations said. EU foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton will be in Ukraine on Tuesday and Wednesday “to support a way out of the political crisis”.
The protesters have given Mr Yanukovych 48 hours to dismiss the government and are demanding new elections for the presidency and government.
Top Western diplomats headed to Kiev Tuesday to try to defuse a stand-off between President Viktor Yanukovych’s government and thousands of demonstrators, following a night in which police in riot gear dismantled protesters’ encampments outside government buildings.
Many of the protesters suspect Russia’s President Vladimir Putin of trying to model a new Russian-led customs union on the Soviet Union. So far, only Belarus and Kazakhstan have joined it.
