Fierce riot clashes in Kiev results in dozens of deaths

The recent riot was the deadliest in the nearly three months of anti-government protests and the worst in Ukraine’s post-Soviet history.

15:24 19 February 2014

Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, together with over 20,000 supporters, has mounted a desperate act of defiance on Independence Square in Kiev. Following the advancement of police officers who were trying to stop the demonstrators, it was announced by the Ukrainian government that at least 25 people had been killed while 241 people had been injured.

On Wednesday morning, Independence Square was in total chaos. Due to explosion of stun grenades and fireworks, the area was covered in black smoke while the streets leading to square piled with debris. However, the protesters’ stage remained intact and apparently beyond the reach of the riot police.

The lethal riot became a major concern in the international community. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German Prime Minister, said: “Whoever is responsible for the decisions which have led to the bloodshed in Kiev and other parts of Ukraine should expect Europe to reconsider its position on imposing sanctions on individuals.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of State John Kerry, called on Ukraine’s president to stop the bloodshed. He said: “We call on President Yanukovych and the Ukrainian government to de-escalate the situation immediately, and resume dialogue with the opposition on a peaceful path forward. Ukraine’s deep divisions will not be healed by spilling more innocent blood.”